Aizawl: Mizoram district council and minority affairs minister C Lalsawivunga on Saturday said all “Zofate”, or ethnic Mizos, looked forward to the day when they would be united despite being divided by political boundaries.Addressing an International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples programme themed “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures”, organised by the Zo Re-Unification Organisation (ZORO) in Aizawl, Lalsawivunga expressed hope that the organisation’s quest to reunify ethnic Mizos spread across three countries would be fulfilled.The minister said Zo people were dispersed across different countries following India’s independence from British rule. While political boundaries had placed them in different nations, these should not divide a people bound by a shared identity, he said.Lalsawivunga stressed the need to preserve the Zo identity and remain conscious of their common roots and heritage. He urged Zo people, irrespective of where they lived or the government under which they came, to strengthen unity and brotherhood while remaining firmly rooted in their identity.MLA Robert Romawia Royte, who attended the programme as the guest of honour, also called upon the Zo people to remain grounded in their shared identity and strengthen their bonds despite distinct clan and ethnic affiliations.Royte encouraged the community to use advancing technology and social media constructively to improve communication, connection and unity among the Zo people.ZORO also organised a peace march in Aizawl to mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The programme was held in line with the mandate of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) of July 9, 2007, following the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 13, 2007.ZORO president R Sangkawia expressed hope that the UN declaration would eventually bring all “Zofate” under a single administration.Students from different educational institutions and members of cultural clubs showcased traditional dances and attire at the programme, presided over by ZORO vice-president L Ramdinliana Renthlei.
