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,^[1] 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.

Mizo Zirlai Pawl

Mizo Students Association
Abbreviation	MZP
Predecessor	Lushai Students Association
Formation	27 October 1935 (90yrs ago)
Founder	R.Buchhawna B.A.
Founded at	Shillong
Type	NGO
Headquarters	Aizawl, Mizoram
Location	Treasury Square
Region	Zofa inhabitant area
Services	Voluntary, pressure group
Membership	All mizo students
Official language	Zo language (Zo Tawng)
Affiliations	SR. 35 of 1969–70
Website	https://mzpmizoram.com/

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:^[1]

• Lai Students' Association (LSA)
• Mizoram Bawm Students' Association (MBSA)
• Pang zirlai Pawl (PZP)
• Mara Students' Organization^[2] (MSO)
• Ranglong Students' Union (RSU)
• Thadou Students' Association (TSA)
• Siamsinpawlpi^[3] (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

MZP General Headquarters Leaders (1965-1966)

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.^[4]

The association was established on 27 October 1935.^[1]

Brief Chronicle of MZP
1926	Lushai Students Association was formed in Calcutta, Gauhati and Shillong. Unfortunately, the organisation collapsed and ceased to exist.
1935	Lushai Students Association was again newly established in Shillong. R. Buchhawna B.A in-charged President, Lalhmuaka as General Secretary and Hrawva B.A as Treasurer.
1938	Published its newspaper 'LSA CHANCHINBU' for the first time.
1939	World War II affected the association. It could not function properly and its newspaper couldn't be published either.
1945	When World War II ended, it was reformed and the constitutions were amended.
1946	Lushai Students Association changed its name into Mizo Zirlai Pawl, in short MZP shifted its base from Shillong to Aizawl. The Magazine LSA Newsletter also changed to MZP Chanchinbu.
1959	After the shock of Mautam (famine) MZP was reformed again. At that time it had offices in Mizo District Council Office and in Govt. Mizo High School. MZP demanded the Special Scholarship for Mizo Students to the Assam Government. For the first time in Mizoram and to promote mizo literature and songs, MZP organised 'Hla Kutpui' (Song Festival) in Aizawl. Formed the committee of Mizo Vernicular.
1966	Mizo National Front uprising and Mizo Independent Movement influenced most of MZP leaders. Many leaders joined the movement. Therefore, the organisation became weak.
1970s	MZP became one of the strongest and biggest organisation in Mizoram. Around 1000 branches in Mizoram and outside Mizoram state, in Mizoram most high school and village run the organisation.
1973	MZP revived and re-organised Mizo Traditional festival and 'Chapchar Kut'. This festival is one of the most valued festival till today by the Mizo society which is still celebrated today since that time.
1978	MZP Conference held in Kolasib decided, the extension for the term of MZP Leaders from one year to two years.
1979	MZP support the MNF-India peace accord. it submitted the memorandum to the Govt. of India regarding peace in Mizoram.
1981	Protest the selection of non-mizo in state quota of Technical Course. In that movement most of MZP Leaders were arrested and were imprisoned. Protest and demand to abolish Chakma District Council.
1982	MZP took an action for peace in Mizoram. The Union Territory Government blame MZP as anti-national and BANNED the organisation. That issued shocked the MZP and it became weakened. But, the organisation was run secretly by a few leaders.
1985	The new government withdrew the ban of MZP. Northeast Students Coordination Committee (NESCC) organised North East Cultural Festival in Aizawl based MZP. But, MZP could not function properly. During the ban of the organisation, various students associations were formed in Mizoram for different issues and purposes.
1993	14 August, seven students association meeting decided to demolish their own organisation and amalgamated to MZP and reformed it again. In September special assembly amended the constitution and elected the new leaders. The Constitution added the Affiliation rules for Mizo Tribe-based students organisation and Federal Council System. The NECC also changed the name to NESO.
1993–1995	Emphasized the theme of (Mizo hnam inpumkhatna) 'Mizo Unification'.
1994	MZP against the issue to abolish the ILP.
1995	Proclaimed the Chakma Foreigner Quite Order. Most of Chakma foreigner deleted from electoral roll.
1996	Organised the issue of Chakma Foreigners. Long march from Aizawl to Chawngte.
1995–1998	Proposed and used the theme of (ram leh hnam humhalh) 'Mizo tribe preservation year'.
1997	For the first time, MZP General Headquarters fall into 'Adviser Rule'. Constitution amendment and extended the term of elected office bearer to two years. The president can't elected more than one term.
2002	Organised ZOFEST in Churachandpur for the unification among Zo-hnahthlak of Zofa.
2007	Demanded to the President of India to apologize to the people of Mizo for their bombing Mizoram.
2008	The Govt. of Mizoram notified MZP rising day is to be observed as 'Zirlaite Ni' (Students' Day). Anniversary of Mizoram bombing day by the Indian Government during MNF Independent movement was celebrate as "Zoram Ni".
2010	Celebrated its Platinum Jubilee.
2013	MZP main office building, 'MZP PISAPUI' was inaugurated by Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla in Aizawl.
2014	MZP constructed Zofate Chawlhbuk at Borapansury CADC area.
2018	MZP constructed the Zofate Chawlhbuk at Zophai, Bairabi. However, it was demolished by the Assam Police, leading to tensions between the state of Mizoram and Assam.

Aims and objectives

MZP Flag

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:^[1]

1. to safeguard the rights and unity of all Mizo students
2. to prepare Mizo people to become helpful citizens of Zoram
3. 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^[5]
4. to prevent and attack corruption in Mizoram
5. to conserve traditional Mizo values.

Functions

MZP Elected Office Bearers 2023-2025

MZP Assembly 2014 pandal Zofate Run at Farkawn, Mizoram

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^[6]
• 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

Year	Name
1935–1936	R.Buchhawna[7]
1936–1937
1937–1938
1938–1939
1939–1940
1940–1941
1941–1942
1942–1943	Hrawva[8]
1943–1944
1944–1945
1945–1946
1946–1947	Khawtinkhuma[9]
1947–1948	R.Buchhawna
1948–1949	Zairema
1949–1950
1950–1951	Sangliana
1951–1952	Lalsiama
1952–1953
1953–1954	Sangliana
1954–1955	K.C.Lalvunga[10]
1955–1956
1956–1957	J. Malsawma[citation needed]
1957–1958	Sangliana
1958–1959
1959–1960	H.K.Bawichhuaka[11]
1960–1961	H.Raltawna[12]
1961–1962	H.K.Bawichhuaka
1962–1963	Romawia
1963–1964
1964–1965	Rozinga
1965–1966
1966–1967
1967–1968
1968–1969
1969–1970	L.Pachunga
1970–1971	J.Lalduhawma
1971–1972	R.L.Thanzawna
1972–1973	Zoliana Royte
1973–1974	Lalnuntluanga
1974–1975
1975–1976
1976–1977	J.V. Hluna[13]
1977–1978
1978–1980	T.C.Kapmawia
1980–1982	Rochunga Ralte
1982–1984	Zokailiana Khiangte
1984–1986
1986
1987–1989	B.C.Lalbiakngura
1989–1993	F.Lalchhawnkima
1993 (Ad hoc 1 month)	Lalmuanpuia Punte
1993–1994
1994–1995
1995–1996	K Vanlalvena
1996–1997	Lalmuanpuia Punte
1997–1999	Lalruatkima[14]
1999–2001	R.Vanlalvena[15]
2001–2003	Lalchhandama Ralte[16]
2003–2005	C.Lalrokhuma
2005–2007	PC.Laltlansanga
2007–2009	C.Lalhmachhuana
2009–2011	V.L.Krosshnehzova
2011–2013	James Thanghmingmawia
2013–2015	Lalhmachhuana
2015–2017	Lalsangzuala Ngente
2017–2019	L. Ramdinliana Renthlei
2019–2021	B.Vanlaltana (L)
2021–2023	Lalnunmawia Pautu
2023–2025	H. Lalthianghlima

Event

Assembly

MZP Assembly 2024, Tlangsam

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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

Zofest:

Zofest 2022 Sialsuk

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.^{[citation needed]} These regions share common borders, cultures, histories, traditions, languages, beliefs, and faiths.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[17] 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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[18]

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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[19]

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.^[20]

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:^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

Zoram Ni

On March 1, 1966, the Mizo National Front (MNF) declared Mizoram's independence.^[21] In response, the Indian Air Force launched an airstrike on Aizawl on March 5, 1966, using jet fighters to bomb the city.^{[citation needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]} The bombing remains the only instance of India using its air force against its own citizens.^{[citation needed]}

The Indian government's justification for the bombing was that it was targeting MNF installations.^[22] 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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[23] 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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

Publication

Mizo Zirlai Pawl publishes a monthly magazine MZP CHANCHINBU^[24] in Mizo language since 1938. It has a circulation of 1,000 copies. It registered under Registrar of Newspapers for India^[25]

See also

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