16/05/2025
A Call to Chinland Council, Chin Brotherhood, and ZRA:
You Do Not Have the Authority to Decide the Future of All Chin/Zo People
As a concerned member of the Chin/Zo community, I write with a heavy heart regarding the recent actions by the Chinland Council, Chin Brotherhood, and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) in unilaterally drafting a national charter, flag, and constitution without the consent or meaningful consultation of the broader Chin/Zo population both inside Myanmar and abroad.
This action is not only undemocratic but dangerously divisive. Let it be made clear: no armed group or political alliance, nor their supporters abroad, has the authority or legitimacy to decide the collective future of our people. The people who live in Chin State and across Myanmar are not subjects of any armed organization or political faction. We are citizens with a voice, dignity, and the right to take part in shaping our destiny.
1. No One Group Has the Mandate of the People
Charters, flags, and constitutions are sacred symbols and tools of a nation. They must arise from the people, not be imposed by a small circle of armed actors or foreign-based supporters. The process undertaken by the Chinland Council, the Chin Brotherhood, and the ZRA is not rooted in democratic legitimacy. It lacked transparency, inclusiveness, and community representation. Therefore, any document or symbol produced through this flawed process can not be accepted as representing the Chin/Zo nation.
2. Armed Struggle Does Not Equal Political Authority
While we respect the efforts of Chin armed groups in defending our people from oppression, let us remember bearing arms is not the same as bearing democratic responsibility. The people do not elect military groups, and they do not have the right to draft the political future of an entire ethnic group without broad consultation. Actual authority must come from the consent of the governed, not from force or fear.
3. Supporters Abroad Must Act Responsibly
Many Chin/Zo brothers and sisters living in other countries have shown great concern and support for our homeland. However, they do not live under the same daily realities faced by people in Chin State: conflict, displacement, hunger, and political repression. Therefore, those living abroad must not attempt to direct or influence foundational decisions without listening to those on the ground. Solidarity does not give the right to dictate.
4. This Path Divides, Not Unites
The unilateral drafting of a charter and adoption of a flag and constitution, without the involvement of civil society, churches, elders, youth, women’s organizations, or experts, risks creating deep divisions among the Chin/Zo people. Instead of building unity, it sows distrust and alienation. Our brotherhood cannot survive if some act as rulers and others as subjects.
5. Only the People Can Define Our Common Future
The future of the Chin/Zo people must be built together through genuine, inclusive dialogue that welcomes all voices, respects all tribes, and includes both local communities and the diaspora. Scholars, theologians, human rights advocates, political experts, and grassroots leaders must be invited to the table. No flag, charter, or constitution is legitimate unless born from the people’s will.
Therefore, we call for an immediate stop to any unilateral declaration or imposition of national symbols or legal documents by the Chinland Council, Chin Brotherhood, ZRA, or their allies. We urge the formation of an inclusive public dialogue and participatory process that can represent the diverse and united voice of the Chin/Zo people.
Let us walk the path of justice, transparency, and unity—not one of force, secrecy, and division.
PS-please share to all the groups and leaders including churches and organizations from Chin/Zo/Zomi Communities.
– A Concerned Member of the Chin/Zo Community
Rev. Suan Muan Thang, D.Min, PhD
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