The First Global Zomi Community Formed
The Zomi diaspora around the world formed for the first time a global coalition called Leitungbup Zomi Innkuan Kipawlna, literally meaning ‘Zomi community international’, on 28 March 2009. The move came to a conclusion after a 4-hour discussion was made via a teleconference hosted by Zomi Innkuan USA.
A total of 30 participants from 9 countries elected 40 members for Board of Trustees with President of Zomi Innkuan USA, Dr. Chin Do Kham, as its interim Chairman. The Board of Trustees will form a committee responsible for drafting the constitutions and by-laws.
Lian Tawng, President of Zomi Innkuan UK, told Chinland Guardian: “Wherever we live, it is important that we know we are not an island but in a society. I believe this combined alliance will bring forward a closer relationship and understanding among the people. And also, it can create a better channel between those in the country and abroad in terms of communication and collaboration.”
Some of the issues that the coalition is likely to take priority in its agenda include educating the new generation about Zomi cultures and literature, and assisting Zomi churches and community organisations in Burma, according to a web-based source.
A comment by a web user identified as Pialnawng remarks: “Hope the Leitungbup Zomi Innkuan Kipawlna do not represent Tedim dialect speakers only of Zomi diaspora.”
As of today, there are more than 20 Zomi communities in different cities and countries around the world with the first one formed in Singapore in 1997. The term ‘Zomi Innkuan’ simply means Zomi community, which is a non-political, not-for-profit, community-based organisation.
The next teleconference, aiming to elect the governing body, is scheduled to take place before the end of the year.