UKHRUL: The Central Village Defence Force (CVDF), a Zomi group based in Churachandpur, has issued a regulation regarding unauthorized activities in Zomi operational areas, specifically addressing the activities of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) Women’s Wing.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the CVDF, after receiving credible reports about the circulation and sale of “Never Forget 3rd May” stickers to commemorate “3rd May Separation Day” by the ITLF Women’s Wing, affirmed that the ITLF has no presence or authority in Zomi operational areas and is not recognized within their jurisdiction. The statement cautioned, “Any activity conducted in its name shall be treated as serving vested interests and constituting a direct challenge to established authority.”
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Furthermore, the CVDF urged an immediate cessation of all such sales and distributions, warning that non-compliance would result in stringent action to maintain order and security. The organization stated that “the prevailing situation remains volatile and tense,” advising individuals and groups to avoid provocations that could escalate tensions or open multiple fronts.
The Zomi body also appealed to all individuals and groups to exercise restraint and to act in the interest of peace, stability, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
It may be mentioned that the Paite Tribe Council General Headquarters, as the apex body of the Paite tribe, had previously denounced, on August 15, 2025, the inclusion of the Paite Puandum in the official letterheads of both the Kuki Students’ Organization, Delhi & NCR, and the Working Committee Kuki Civil Society Organizations, Sadar Hills, without their prior knowledge or consent.
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In their appeal, the apex Paite body clarified that they are one of the tribes comprising the Zomi Ethnic Group. Therefore, the Paite and Paite organizations do not need to be represented in any Kuki organizations, such as the Kuki Inpi, the Kuki Students’ Organization, the Kuki Zo Council, or the Working Committee of Kuki CSOs.
To maintain much-needed mutual respect and understanding among various communities, the body requested that Kuki organizations remove the Paite Puandum from their official letterheads and called upon other non-Paite and non-Zomi organizations to refrain from using the Paite Puandum or any representations of the Paite tribe, including their traditional shawls, without their consent.