Zomi Independence Army formed to defend Zoland

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi, Oct 18, 2012 – A new underground outfit, Zomi Independence Army has been formed in Chin Hills recently. The outfit was formed by the Zomi National Defence Committee to protect their ancestral land and its people from the irony hands of Myanmar, reports Tongshan, an international media group run by the diaspora Zomis.

Zomi Independence Army and Karen Soldiers somewhere in Myanmar. – zokhup.com

With citing a Bible verse from Rome 8:37 “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” in its Logo as the motto, the new-born Zomi Independence Army (ZIA) declared its formation last month, September 10th. The Zomi Independence Army aims to integrate the Zomis, who are disintegrated by various state-sponsored elements in Myanmar. The outfit floated on the ground to fight for the emancipation of Zomis from their bondage. Zomi Independence Army is also said to protect, defend and serve the Zomis, the indigenous habitants of Zogam.

Zomi Independence Army has an agreement with undisclosed militant group in last November. In its Central Committee Meeting, both the outfits discussed and set for the future course of action, sources added.

A well placed source said Zomi Independence Army has recruited 300 cadres soon after its formation. The cadres had undergone guerilla warfare training with sophisticated weapons. The cadres are expected to complete the training within this year.

Zomi Independence Army laid down stringent guidelines. The organisation recruited only those who have attained 18 years of age for its cadres. Those having healthy mind and body as well as nationalistic views and longing for Zogam and its people Zomi, are accepted. An illiterate person and those intoxicated with drugs or any social evils were debarred from joining the organisation, sources said. It added a person must be of any Zomi dialect [Zopau].

The statement further says no mixed blood Zomi has been recruited into the army. Both the father and mother must be a Zomi, and every cadre is carefully scrutinized. The organisation had even cross-checked their cadre’s background. Those who have been in Burmese soldiers are not allowed to join Zomi Independence Army, a reliable source said.

The duration of training is unknown, however, it covers wide range of guerilla warfare, strategy and tactics. On completion of training, the Zomi Independence Army would carry out their activities.