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zomirecord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/interview-dr-vumson-and-chinland_16.html?zx=869d8ff00db3d
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We have to make the ZORO popular because of that we are trying to form a branch in the US as many of our people lately come in numbers. We can not escape being one community even if we try to deny it. When we have a funeral expatriates from Mizoram, and Chin State join in numbers and this means the success of Re-Unification even without ZORO. With ZORO I hope to attract more cooperation and togetherness. Although ZORO has to implement its aims and objectives but in reality some of the aims and objectives are involuntarily fulfilled by the people as they moved from the Chin State to Mizoram in search for a better life and food. I met a girl from Mindat area who walked ten days to reach Mizoram (Lawngtlai). This is Re-unification in a form. At the UN Meeting for Indigenious population I talked with the SAMI people and I thought we might be able to function somewhat like them. They have the SAMI Parliament across international borders in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. They have to abide by the laws of their respective governments and also by their own SAMI laws. We should be able to do the same. Chinland Guardian: How far the ZORO has gone internationally? Dr. Vumson Suantak: In 1994 I finished an application together for the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Zo Re-Unification Organization (ZORO) to join the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO). But when I informed the CNF and ZORO headquarters their reaction was not intone with my idea. The ZORO told me that they could not be in equal status with the CNF, and the CNF told me that they are not interested in joining together with the ZORO. So I did not submit the application. After ten years in 2004 the Chairman of the CNF lives in Aizawl, the General Secretary lives in Saiha, and the Chief of Staff lives in Aizawl. The CNF headquarter is in Mizoram. It would have been different I guess now, if they talk to each other. Then I submit an application for the ZORO to join the UNPO in the same year paying the fees from my pocket and so on. I met also the UNPO members in Geneva. When I informed the ZORO there was no response. So I told the UNPO that my application should be put on hold. When I met with the UNPO members especially Isaac Chiswu of Nagaland that he would have pushed it through had I not asked them to put on hold. In the meantime the CNF had applied membership and they were granted membership. The ZORO applied a few years later to be membership but they did not become members because their ethnic group the CNF is already a member. Last year I met the secretary general and he said that there is no more limitation and ZORO should be admitted. The ZORO is now active together with the CNF in the UNWGIP and also participated in the Permanent Forum. In my opinion it is good to be in International Organizations but it is better to be organized at home. It has no meaning to play a dominant role internationally if we cannot convince our own people. In Mizoram at least most of educated are excited about the ZORO and I believe that is what it counts. Chinland Guardian: ZORO was competing for Mizo Legislative Assembly (MLA) seats a few years ago in Mizoram State. What was the good or bad part of competing in the state level election?
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Mizoram State. What was the good or bad part of competing in the state level election? Dr. Vumson Suantak: The PC party at one election made the ZORO or reunification its platform. But emotion and party politics does not digest one another. The PC lost the election. Since then the ZORO amended its constitution that the ZORO is a non-party political organization. Chinland Guardian: If ZORO can form government in any state whether Manipur, Mizoram or Chin state, I think, the organization will be more effective in unifying our people from three different countries. Without having a strong base, and strong driving force, like state level government at the least, mobilizing our people from three different countries seems a very difficult job. Dr. Vumson Suantak: I can not answer this question. The main problem is how to convince one section of our society to be with another section of our society. For example when the YMA was asked how could they drove away the Lai , Pawi, and Paite from Mizoram, whereas they also Pawi, Lai and Paite. The answer was we did not expel anybody who said he or she is a Mizo. Here lies the logic. Can we have one nomenclature accepted in Burma, Bangladesh and India? I have not been successful so far. Chinland Guardian: In terms of the aims of ZORO, I believe, most of our people whether one is from India, Bangladesh or Burma will agree with the idea of coming together under one administration or forming a nation. But how strong is ZORO, what is its capability for implementing its aims and objectives? Dr. Vumson Suantak: It is the aim. However, the ZORO needs much more strength, support and understanding. There are many forces working against the ZORO. The number one enemy is the military dictatorship. The number two are individuals who insist on keeping the status quo. (Those who are convinced such as "In India we are Mizo and in Burma we are Chin" are more successful than the ones who try to unite our people.). Number three would be the integration into the Burmese society. Young people like yourself should be working for a grand scheme without which the idea of unification will disappear. Our forefathers were never aware of a possible unification and that is why we are thrown into three countries after the second World Wars. Had our forefathers been a little political savvy, the division would never have happened. Chinland Guardian: Would you mind telling us your future plan, how are you going to move forward? Dr. Vumson Suantak: There is little I can do alone. Even in Washington DC area, Re-Unification is quite popular among the Mizo community but the Chin society is ignorant of the existence of such an organization even. Chinland Guardian: Is there anything you would like to tell us? Dr. Vumson Suantak: Will you join us? Without you there is nothing I as individual or the ZORO present leadership can do. ZORO was formed after I published my book "Zo History". Although I have not been a founding member, the ZORO carry on what I intended with my book. That is why I stick with it. Without Re-Unification we, as a Chin society in Burma, are going to disappear. The signs are prominent especially in Burma, where our people love Burmese songs more than our own and many young people speak Burmese better than they speak our own dialect. When you are at my age probably every one in the Chin State would converse in Burmese. By then as an old man there might be little left for you to change. If you want you cling on to your identity it is now to activate yourself from being swallowed alive by the more numerous Burman. Chinland Guardian: Thank you so much Pu Vum for inviting me/us to join your organization and for your time. May your living dream of our peoples re-unification come true. [Chinland Guardian Note: One of our editors Salai Bawi Lian Mang has the opportunity to interview Dr. Vumson Suantak, coordinator of Zo Re-Unification Organization ZORO on March 16, 2005 at Washington DC]
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