Mizo Zirlai Pawl

Mizo Zirlai Pawl (lit. ''Mizo students' Association'') is a Mizo multinational student organization and apex students body based in Mizoram state, India. Established on 27 October 1935 in Shillong by Mizo earlier educated students. Originally as the Lushai Students Association (LSA), which was later replaced with the "Mizo Zirlai Pawl" (Mizo Students Association) on 1 September 1946. As Mizoram State government notified MZP raising day 27 October was observed as "Zirlaite Ni" (Students' Day) from 2008 in Mizoram. It was registered as SR No. 35 of 1969–70 under Indian Societies Registration Act. Its general headquarters is in the state capital of Mizoram, Aizawl. And it has 12 headquarters inside and outside of Mizoram state, such as Churachandpur (in Manipur), Behliangchhip (in Tripura), and in Mizoram state - Serchhip, Biate, Champhai, Darlawn, Kolasib, Mamit, Zawlnuam, Saitual, Lunglei and Khawzawl. It has 50 Sub-Headquarters and many branches.

Scope

The following Mizo (used as an umbrella term for all peoples who speak one of the Mizo languages) student organizations are affiliated to it:
*Lai Students' Association (LSA)
*Mizoram Bawm Students' Association (MBSA)
*Pang zirlai Pawl (PZP)
*Mara Students' Organization (MSO)
*Ranglong Students' Union (RSU)
*Thadou Students' Association (TSA)
*Siamsinpawlpi (SSPP)

It is itself a constituent unit of North-East Students' Organisation (NESO)

Most of College Students Union in Mizoram, Women Politechnic, Aizawl and Mizoram University Students Council; Chairman/Vice President and General Secretary is the Ex-Officio Member in General Headquarters.

In different parts of India, Cities and Institution based Mizo Students Association is also affiliated to Mizo Zirlai Pawl; like, Mizo Students Union Pune (MSUP), Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP) and many more.

History

The Lushai Students Association previously founded in 1926 at Shillong and which had almost collapsed was revived in October 1935. Its main objectives were to look after the welfare of the Lushai Students, to prepare them to become leaders of future, and to preserve the Lushai traditional and cultural values. At the first general elections held on 24 October 1939, Buchhawn was elected as its president, Lalhmuaka as its general secretary, Hrawva as its treasurer and Saptea as its student secretary. The general meeting at Aizawl on 1 September 1946 had changed its name into Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) and shifted its base from Shillong to Aizawl.

The association was established on 27 October 1935.

Aims and objectives

The motto is ''Ṭanrual hi chakna'' (lit. Unity is strength) and the theme (thuvawn) is ''Mizo students in service of Mizo Nation'' (Mizo zirlaite kan ram leh hnam tan). Its main aim is 'to prepare all Zohnahthlâk people to be ''valuable citizens'' for the Mizo nation and Zoram ' and 'to help the government in the development of Zoram and Mizo nation'. The following are some of the main aims and objectives:
# to safeguard the rights and unity of all Mizo students
# to prepare Mizo people to become helpful citizens of Zoram
# to do its best to unite all Mizo people and create an independent Mizo state out of all the territories historically occupied by Mizo peoples
# to prevent and attack corruption in Mizoram
# to conserve traditional Mizo values.

Functions

The association is administered by the General Headquarters, which constitutes six elected office bearers elected by an electoral college after every two years, and who in turn appoint not more than fifty executive committee members for a term of 1 year. Ten appointed secretaries are selected among the executive committee members who take charge of various posts to advice and assist the elected office bearer. And then, they run the office and activities actively.

The executive committee appoints the adviser and NESO Council member for one year. Various subcommittees and clubs are also formed in the general headquarters.
The following are the elected office bearers for the term 2019–2021-
* President – ''H. Lalthianghlima''
* Vice president – ''Dr. C. Lalremruata''
* General secretary – ''Chinkhanmanga Thomte''
* Assistant Secretary – ''C. Lalhmingsanga''
* Treasurer – ''Zairemthanga''
* Finance Secretary – ''Rothanliana''

At present Mr. Ricky Lalbiakmawia (finance secretary) represents MZP in the NESO committee.
MZP Assembly is the top authority in the association, and Federal Council Sitting is the second highest authority to rule the association.

Presidents of the organisation

Event

Assembly

The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the organization. Convening annually, it deliberates on the future direction and activities of the MZP. During this gathering, the Assembly approved the organization's activity plan, which outlines key initiatives and strategies for the upcoming period. This plan is designed to guide MZP's efforts in student welfare, cultural preservation, and advocacy for the Mizo community.

Federal Council Sitting

The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) Federal Council Sitting serves as the second-highest decision-making body within the organization. It convenes to set and filter agendas for the MZP Assembly and to oversee the implementation of the Assembly's decisions and plans. The Federal Council has the authority to formulate and plan the organization's future activities. Additionally, it possesses the power to dissolve both the General Headquarters and Sub-Headquarters of MZP. The General Headquarters has the prerogative to summon the Federal Council as needed.

Zofest:

The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) has organized Zofest to unite the Zofate— Mizo ethnic communities—residing in various parts of the world, particularly in India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. These regions share common borders, cultures, histories, traditions, languages, beliefs, and faiths.

The inaugural Zofest was held in 2002 at YPA Hall in Lamka, Manipur. Since then, the event has been hosted in various locations, including Aizawl, Mizoram (2004, 2006, 2009); Darchawi, Tripura (2012); Manipur (2012); Haflong, Assam (2014); Zokhawthar, Mizoram (2016); Reiek, Mizoram (2018); Sialsuk, Mizoram (2022); and W. Phaileng, Mizoram (2024).

In 2024, Zofest was held from December 3 to 6 in W. Phaileng, Mizoram. The theme for this year's event was "Hrui Khat Vuanin" ''(Marching Together as One)'', and the gathering venue was named "Lalbuanga Run" in honor of the Chief of W. Phaileng. The event attracted participants from Zofa ethnic groups across Mizoram, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, the United States, and beyond, making it a truly international celebration of culture.

''Objectives of Zofest:''
''Promote Unity Among Zofa Communities:'' Encourage a sense of unity among the various Zofa tribes across different regions, emphasizing their shared heritage and common aspirations.

''Cultural Exchange and Enrichment:'' Provide a platform for participants to showcase their unique cultures, traditions, and practices, fostering mutual learning and enriching the broader Zofa community.

''Strengthen Brotherhood and Sisterhood:'' Highlight the familial bonds that unite all Zofa people, reinforcing the understanding that, despite political boundaries, they are connected by blood and a common ancestry.

''Celebrate Linguistic Similarities:'' Highlight the shared linguistic heritage of the Zofa community, noting that over 60% of Zofa languages exhibit similarities, despite the presence of approximately 30 distinct languages within the group.

Remna Ni

Remna Ni, or "Peace Day," is observed annually on June 30 in Mizoram to commemorate the signing of the Mizo Peace Accord in 1986. This historic agreement between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front (MNF) ended two decades of insurgency and unrest in the region, ushering in an era of peace and stability.

Since 2018, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex student body, has been at the forefront of organizing Remna Ni celebrations, providing a platform for all political parties and organizations to unite in honoring the spirit of peace and reconciliation. These observances serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the importance of maintaining harmony among the diverse communities in Mizoram.

On this day, the MZP also recognizes and appreciates individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the peace process. The following individuals have been honored for their exemplary roles:

2018: Pu Lal Thanhawla, Pu Laldenga, Pu Lalkhama (IAS Retd.)

2019: Rev. Dr. H.S. Luaia, Rev. Dr. Zairema, Rev. Dr. Lalngurauva Ralte, Pu Lalduhoma

2022: Rev. Dr. Lalsawma

2023: Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee

2024: Pu J.H. Rothuama, Pu P. Lalupa, Pu Lalthanzauva, Pu Ngurchhina

These awards acknowledge their unwavering commitment and significant contributions to fostering peace and unity in Mizoram.

Zoram Ni

On March 1, 1966, the Mizo National Front (MNF) declared Mizoram's independence. In response, the Indian Air Force launched an airstrike on Aizawl on March 5, 1966, using jet fighters to bomb the city. This resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The affected areas included Republic Veng, Hmeichhe Veng, Dawrpui Veng, Chhinga Veng and different parts of Mizoram. The bombing remains the only instance of India using its air force against its own citizens.

The Indian government's justification for the bombing was that it was targeting MNF installations. However, many civilians were killed, and the distinction between combatants and non-combatants was not clear from the air. This led to widespread condemnation and demands for accountability.

In 2008, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex student body in Mizoram, began observing March 5 as "Zoram Ni" (Zoram Day) to remember the tragic events of that day. The day is marked with various activities, including seminars, discussions, and cultural programs, to instill a sense of nationalism and to honor the sacrifices made by the people of Mizoram.

On August 10, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian Parliament, acknowledging the events of March 5, 1966, and the impact on the Mizo people. He emphasized the importance of understanding and reconciliation.

Publication

Mizo Zirlai Pawl publishes a monthly magazine MZP CHANCHINBU in Mizo language since 1938. It has a circulation of 1,000 copies. It registered under Registrar of Newspapers for India

See also

* Northeast Students' Organization
* Wesean Student Federation
* Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad

References

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Mizoram