The Zomi community worldwide mourns the loss of a monumental figure, Thangkhangin Ngaihte, who passed away on July 27, 20241. His passing leaves a legacy that marks his immense contributions to all Zomis.
Born into the family of Sonna of the Ngaihte clan of the Paite-Zomi group, Thangkhangin was the first Manipur-born Zomi scholar. He pursued his research at the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he completed an MPhil in 1979 titled “History of the Zomis of Mizoram and the Surrounding Area: Aspects of Pre-Colonial Social Reformation.”
Thangkhangin, along with Pu T. Gougin, pioneered the Zomi Movement in erstwhile Manipur with the formation of the Zomi National Congress (ZNC) in 19722. The ZNC sought to challenge the persistent parochialism among the Zo people and ignite a sense of nationalism and political enlightenment among the tribes. In this measure, Thangkhangin was part of the historic ‘Long March’ from 18th November to 27th November 1984, from Tipaimukh via Thanlon to the DC’s Office in Lamka (erstwhile Churachandpur). The ZNC submitted a memorandum demanding Union Territory status for Zo people out of Manipur.
Thangkhangin is one of the founding members and first General Secretary of the Zo Reunification Organization (ZoRO) and was instrumental in organizing the First World Zomi Convention (19–21 May 1988) at Champhai in Mizoram, India, along with other visionary leaders like Pu T Gougin, and Brig. T Sailo of the People’s Conference in Mizoram.
His contributions extended beyond the borders of India. He was a chief guest and one of the top main speakers at the Zomi International Conference 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Zomi National Conference hosted by Zomi Community USA in 2016. His speeches and contributions during these conferences were highly influential and inspiring, according to the reports of the respective organizers.
The passing of Thangkhangin Ngaihte is a huge loss for the entire Zomi community, which drew inspiration from his legacy. We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal peace and provides the bereaved family with the strength to bear their immense loss.
As we remember Thangkhangin Ngaihte, we honor his memory by continuing his legacy of reunification and unity among the Zomi people worldwide.