IMPHAL, Sept 11: Three Zomi groups under the United People’s Front (UPF) have objected to being described as part of the “Kuki-Zo SoO Groups”, saying they were neither consulted nor informed before a joint statement by the UPF and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) used the nomenclature.
The Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), Zou Defence Volunteers (ZDV) and Zomi Re-Unification Front (ZRF) issued the statement on Thursday, a day after the UPF-KNO release dated September 10. They said the consent of their leadership was not sought before the statement was issued.
The three organisations said the UPF-KNO statement could not be considered a collectively mandated position of the UPF or as representing the ZRA, ZDV and ZRF.
They also objected to the term “Kuki-Zo SoO Groups”, maintaining that their position on identity and representation remained unchanged. They said “Zomi” was the indigenous identity through which their community identified itself and that any collective nomenclature should be based on consultation and consent.
The groups clarified that their objection concerned representation and did not oppose another community’s right to identify itself. They said views should not be presented in a manner that could be interpreted as representing organisations that were neither consulted nor involved.
“Collective representation must reflect the consent and participation of those it claims to represent,” the statement said.
The Zomi groups said the disagreement over nomenclature would not affect their participation in the peace process. They reaffirmed their commitment to an “inclusive, pragmatic, and non-communal approach” and said political issues should be addressed through peaceful and constitutional dialogue.
They said the statement was intended to clarify their position rather than deepen differences, adding that they respected the positions of other constituents and remained willing to work together where common ground existed while pursuing peace, cooperation and a durable political settlement.
