A Century of Struggle
The Zomi people are proud of this day because it epitomizes their struggle for a place in the sun, a struggle that began almost a hundred years ago amongst the Zomi of Burma under the banner of the Chin Hills Union Organisation (CHUO).
"On 20th February, 1928 the Chin Hills Union Organisation (CHUO) was formed in the Chin Hills of Burma. This was a milestone in the history of the people because for the first time a home-grown political organization was formed. It also laid down the foundation for the introduction of a national day."
The first general meeting of the Chin Hills Union Organization was successfully held at Ware Village, Chin State on 29 September, 1932. The meeting resolved to work together for success in the fields of education, health, economy and social affairs. They also took the difficult and painful decision to drive out the imperialists as soon as possible.
Historical Timeline
Formation of CHUO
Chin Hills Union Organisation (CHUO) was formed on February 20th, marking the first home-grown political organization in Zomi history.
First General Meeting
The first general meeting was held at Ware Village, resolving to advance education, health, economy and social affairs while opposing imperial rule.
Support for Student Strike
CHUO extended whole-hearted help in the 1936 Students' Strike, demonstrating solidarity with the broader Burmese independence movement.
Panglong Agreement
Following the Aung San-Atlee Agreement, the Panglong Conference was held and the Panglong Agreement was signed on February 12.
The Historic Decision
On February 20, over 5,000 Zomi representatives voted to abolish the hereditary feudal system and establish democratic governance.
Official Recognition
The Chin Affairs Council officially declared February 20 as Zomi National Day on October 9, establishing it as a national holiday.
The Nine Petitions
The political momentum picked up with the CHUO submitting nine petitions to the British Burma Government for the improvement of Chin Hills in various fields:
There was heated debate between the CHUO leaders and the British on the above memorandum. The Zomi were very angry with the unfriendly attitudes of the British, thus demonstrations against the Government took place in various parts of Kanpetlet.
Enduring Significance
On 20 February 1948, the representative of Tedim, U Thawng Za Khup submitted a proposal in the general meeting. According to his proposal the Zomi had suffered untold misery under the hereditary feudal chiefs and headmen. They imposed heavy taxes on the common people.
"The popular vote was taken and 5000 representatives voted in favour of the proposal whereas 17 representatives voted against the proposal."
— Historic vote on February 20, 1948Colonialism and the rule of hereditary feudal system by chiefs and headmen were then eliminated for the first time in Chin Hills at this mass meeting and introduced the democratic system which advocates the rule of the people by the people for the people.
It is landmark in the history of Chin Hills because it was the first time that all the Zomi were able to hold the general meeting and achieves national unity among themselves. So, 20 February is a historic and meaningful day for the Zomi because all the Zomi were able to achieve national solidarity and unity on this very day.
Our Duty Today
The Day had been celebrated by Zomi worldwide till today although the Burmese Government officially recorded as Chin National Day. It is, therefore, the fundamental duty of all Zomi to safeguard its National Day, to preserve and maintain its culture, language, religion, and literature if we would like to keep our Zomi identity among the family of nations.