By A. Elango
Hundreds of Chin Refugees celebrated 69th Chin National Day on February 20th in India’s Capital Delhi. “It is a very proud day and a moment of grace to Thank God”, echoed Sui Meng Par, the President of Chin Students’ Union (CSU).
The CSU leader explained the significance of Feb 20, 1948. More than 5000 Chin leaders in Burma, made a historic decision to permanently abolish feudalism and introduced democratic ruling system to the Chin people.
“ Feb 20, is a cultural day, a day to heal; a day to dance; a day to build up relationship; a day to embrace; a day to love and a day for peace – a historic day” said Sui. Her union brought together some 1500 Chin Refugees to commemorate the event.
There are nearly 2000 Chin Refugees living in Delhi who belong to Chin state. Chin is one of the 7 ethnic states of Myanmar. Chin State shares international borders with Mizoram state, India, to the west, Manipur State to the North and Bangladesh to the south-west.
CSU rented a hall for the event. The day marked a number of cultural programmes to “bring tradition back to life” said refugee Zulai, a tailoring teacher who lives in Delhi since 2009. Cultural events instilled in her hope and joy, expressed Zuali, a mother of two children. A number of Burmese food and handcraft articles were displayed in and around the hall to promote the tradition.
Simon, another student leader, justified the celebration in India because the day makes Chin people happy and proud although his people fled their country due to religious persecution, lack of security and military tyranny.
There are many small Churches, managed by Chin community, live in Janakpuri of Delhi. Chin National Day develops “unity in diversity” among vulnerable refugees and helps students “to keep alive hopes by facing the poverty situations” said pastor Johnny in his opening prayer for the celebration.
Minister C.Ngunliamcunga from Mizorm was the Chief Guest of the Day who lauded the CSU. Minister urged every Indians in the country to” help Chins to lead a dignified life”. He called upon the Chin adults and particularly students to study well which is “their basic right and a step to dignity”.
A history student Kap Mawang made presentation during the day. He stated that General Assembly of Chinland was held at Falam town from 19th to 22nd, February 1948. Feb 20, the second day of the conference, a representative of Tedim Pu Thawng Za Khup submitted a proposal to abolish the feudal system.
The popular vote was taken on Feb 20 in which only 17 out of more than 5000 representatives voted against the proposal. “ It is a landmark day in the history” because that was the first time Chin people achieved a national unity among themselves, proclaimed the student.
“It is our history as a nation! It is our identity as a people” says Simon who pursues his studies in Ambedkar University of Delhi. “A time will come to belong to my country in near future” hopes, the young lad.