Mizoram Facilitates the Peace Pact between Chin Rebel Groups of Myanmar Dr. Suwa Lal Jangu, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Mizoram University, Aizawl Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma is facing criticism for brokering a peace deal between two anti-military Junta Chin rebel groups from Myanmar's Chin State on February 26 in Aizawl. The Union Ministry of External Affairs has issued a stern reprimand, advising him against such actions in the future. Foreign affairs are under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, meaning that the Chief Minister or any state leader is prohibited from meeting with foreign representatives or party leaders without prior permission. Political analysts view Lalduhawma's initiative as unconstitutional and a violation of India’s international protocols. Central security forces were aware of the recent two-day visit by Mizoram Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena to Myanmar's Chin State, where approximately a dozen representatives from the two Chinland rebel groups opposing the military Junta arrived. On September 4, 2024, CM Lalduhawma encouraged the Chin community in the United States to forge friendships with the Arakan community and the Arakan Army. On February 26, a peace agreement was signed between the anti-military groups in Chin State, facilitated by Lalduhawma. This agreement was established between the Chin National Army, the military wing of the Chinland Council, and the Chin Brotherhood, the military wing of the Interim Chinland National Consultative Council. The mediation was conducted by Mizoram's Advocacy Group for Peace, and three representatives from these four groups signed the agreement in Aizawl. The agreement aims to end internal conflict between the two rebel groups, which have been fighting against Myanmar's military regime in Chin State. These anti-military groups have two main democratic objectives: the establishment of a democratic system in Myanmar and the creation of a federal structure for Chin State. Under the agreement, an administrative unit called the Chin National Council (CNC) will be formed, along with an integrated armed command. Various Chin rebel organizations have been embroiled in conflict for the last two years, hindering their ability to mount a successful resistance against the military junta due to internal factional strife. A constitution drafting committee will be formed for Chin State under this peace pact, which will include members from both CC/CNA and ICNCC/CB. Chin leaders from Myanmar in Aizawl have appealed to all communities (referred to as Zonathlak in Mizo) in the state to support this pact, emphasizing that it will foster common understanding, unity, and, ultimately, peace. Thawng Ning Kee, Deputy Chairperson of the Chinland Council and Chief Negotiator, expressed confidence that the Chin Peace Pact will bring unity and strength to Myanmar's pro-democracy groups in Chin State. Lalduhawma is the founder of the Mizoram Advocacy Group for Peace (MAGP), which has played a crucial role in achieving the ceasefire and peace agreement between these two groups in Chin State. The MAGP, composed of leaders from influential civil society organizations and public figures, has been working to end hostilities between the two insurgent groups fighting internally since 2022, as well as against Myanmar's military junta. Additionally, Mizoram-based organizations such as the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and Zo-Reunification Organisation (ZORO) have also been striving to foster reconciliation among various pro-democracy and anti-military junta insurgent groups in Chin State for many years. On February 27, Mizoram Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena visited the Victoria Camp of the Chin National Front (CNF) in Chin State, Myanmar. During his meeting with leaders of the Chin rebel groups, Vanlalvena emphasized the need for a political settlement between the warring factions in Chinland. He pointed out that all factions share the common goal of restoring democracy in Myanmar and establishing a federal entity for Chin State. He also highlighted the common ethnic identity of the various Zo-ethnic communities living across India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. "These communities share the same ancestry, yet geopolitical boundaries and linguistic differences have divided them," Vanlalvena stated. "We are one nation; we must work tirelessly for national unity." He proposed that a collective term — Zofate — should be used for ethnic Zo/Mizos. The Zofate ethnic community, which is predominantly Christian, resides in the Indo-Burmese hilly region stretching from Chittagong in Bangladesh to the Chindwin River in Myanmar, surrounded by nations with Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist majorities. Vanlalvena noted, "This Christian ethnic community has survived amid three religious nations due to their belief in divine guidance. The survival of the Zofate community will ultimately depend on the will of God." Vanlalvena received a "Guard of Honour" from China and troops at CNA's Victoria Camp in Chinlung City, accompanied by a warm welcome from leaders of the Chinland Council and the Chinland Government. The Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Mizoram also met Chin State Chief Minister Pathanga, as well as China and ministers and commanders of the Chin National Army (CNA). On February 28, he visited the Chin village of Khawmawi, located near Zokhawthar in Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border, where he engaged with local civil government leaders. The MP noted that the Tiau River, which separates Mizoram and Myanmar, is not a legitimate boundary for the Zofate communities. He proposed that if the Indian government insists on the border fence, it should be built in the plains of Bangladesh and on the Chindwin River in Myanmar. Internal conflicts among insurgents in Chin State have led to the loss of life and property on both sides, which benefits the military regime but harms residents. Nevertheless, the Chin insurgent groups in Myanmar are not anti-India, and there is no security threat to India stemming from this pact, as these groups seek positive and democratic cooperation with India. There are deep-seated familial ties and mutual dependence between the cross-border communities of India and Myanmar. Due to military rule in Myanmar, the people of Chin State have become isolated and are currently facing a crisis of civil rights. Thanks to strong community relations along the India-Myanmar border, there have been no military confrontations or conflicts between two cross-border communities. However, illegal activities have increased near the border due to military rule in Myanmar and the presence of insurgent groups in northeastern India. This situation has resulted in unrest, insecurity, and violence in the border states of India. Fortunately, due to robust community ties and effective political leadership in the Border States, crises are being managed. The political leadership in the northeastern states, along with community and political leaders across the border, should be recognized by the governments of India and Myanmar not only as sources of soft power but also as vital players in enhancing economic ties and fostering people-to-people connections between the two countries. Politicians from Manipur have voiced their concerns over a peace deal between the Chin rebels of Myanmar, facilitated by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma, particularly due to the absence of any representative from the Indian government. They are worried about the potential involvement of insurgent groups from Myanmar’s Chin State in the ongoing violence in Manipur and invited Chin rebels to Mizoram for discussions. The peace deal being negotiated in Aizawl aims to regulate the entry of Chin individuals into the northeastern states via the India-Myanmar border. Currently, Chin rebels control 80 per cent of Chin State, while the Arakan Army has taken control of the Arakan region. Former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has also played a mediating role on several occasions. It is crucial to ensure that national interests do not conflict with public interests along the international border of the northeastern states, as the national interest of any country should not supersede the interests of its citizens. The needs, concerns, and disagreements of border populations must be acknowledged. Lasting peace and stability in the cross-border region can only be achieved through cooperation and mutual respect for each other neighbours. |
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