Prologue:
The CHIN FORUM is neither a political, social, religious organizations nor a part or branch of any active political organizations of the Chins. It is a common Platform, from where any Chin individual can exchange his or her knowledge, capacities, skills and expertise with other fellow compatriots impartially and independently. It is a Forum for promoting the common NATIONAL INTERESTS of the Chin people. There is no place in the CHIN FORUM for promoting any individual, organizational or local interests.
1998 April- May - The CHIN FORUM was founded by the First Chin Seminar in Ottawa, Canada. The First Chin Seminar, initiated by Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong and organized by the Chin National Front, was held successfully on April 29 to May 2, 1998 with the aims of promoting unity among all the Chin democratic forces. The said Seminar; sponsored by the Euro-Burma Office (EBO) and was attended by 17 Chin compatriots including elected MPs, intellectuals, and freedom fighters inside and outside of Chinland of Burma. All the participants of the Chin Seminar agreed to form the CHIN FORUM under which function various working groups, namely:-
Constitution Drafting Working Group (WG-I)
Information and Communication Working Group (WG-II)
Education Working Group (WG-III); later expanded the number of working groups such as Historical Research and Preservation Working Group (WG-VI)
Convener and Co-conveners were selected for each working group.
All the working groups execute their respective assignments according to program and policy laid out by the Chin Forum Management Board CFMB). Information and Communication Working Group, the Education Working Group and the Constitution Drafting Working Group executed their assignment very well. But the Economics and Data Collecting WG, Health WG and Historical Research and Preservation WG could not execute their respective programs due to lack of available sponsorships.
The Constitution Drafting Working Group effectively carried out its tasks assigned by the CFMB during the Chin Seminar. The success of this WG I could also be attributed to the generous sponsorship from the National Endowment for Democracy. The Draft Constitution of Chinland, ignited the first wave of the Chin Federal Movement in the exile to unify all Chin democratic forces.
1999 March - The FIRST Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland with Chin Political History and Social background prepared by Pu Lian Uk, the Convener of CHIN FORUM Working Group (I), was put up at the Round Table Meeting of the WG-I and the CFMB in Washington DC. The Round Table Meeting was sponsored by the EBO. The participants of the Round Table Meetings made physical consultations on the FIRST Initial Draft with a constitutional law expert of the National Endowment for Democracy and a professor from Princeton University. Based on these consultations and inputs by members of the CFMB, the Convener of the CF (WG-I) was assigned by the Meeting to work further and produce a Second Draft.
1999 The English for Chins in 21st. Century project was initiated by the CHIN FORUM with the financial support of the Open Society Institute (OSI), Burma Project. The project was implemented at eight centers in Chin State and English was taught to young Chins for several years assisting and preparing for them in their pursuit of higher learning abroad.
2000 April - The Second Chin Seminar, sponsored by the National Reconciliation Project and attended by 95 Chin delegations from Mizoram, New Delhi, Europe, USA and Australia etc., was successfully held in New Delhi, India from 4 to 8 April 2000. CFMB members like Pu Mang Bur, Dr. Za Hlei Thang, Salai Kipp Kho Lian and Salai Nilian actively participated in the Seminar. For the first time the CHIN FORUM put up the SECOND Initial Draft of Principle Guidelines for the future Constitution of Chinland to the general public of about 200 participants during this Second Chin Seminar. The participants were made up of individuals and members of Chin political and social organizations belonging to all tribes and regions of Chin State. Based on inputs by this Seminar the CFWGI was assigned to prepare the THIRD Draft. During the Seminar Dr. Salai Pa Cin, Salai Kee Lee Awm and Salai Cang Peng were inducted as new members of the CFMB.
2001 August - Pu Lian Uk, Convener of the Working Group (I) and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, Co-convener of the Working Group (I) attended the State Constitution Seminar held by National Democratic Front and United Nationalities League for Democracy, sponsored by National Reconciliation Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand in August 20-26, 2001. Pu Lian Uk and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian distributed the SECOND Initial Draft of Principle Guidelines for the future Constitution of Chinland at the request of the Seminar and explained its process and its contents at a special session of the Seminar. The drafting process and the contents of the Chinland Constitution was thus widely credited by Karens, Kachins, Mons, Arakans, Shans, Karennis and Burmans during this seminar.
2002 January. With the assistances of the Department of States USA, National Endowment for Democracy and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the Chin Forum Working Group (I) Round Table Constitution Consultative Meeting was held in Washington D.C. on January 15-22, 2002. The meeting took place at the Chin Baptist Mission Church in Washington D.C. and was attended by Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Vumson Suantak, Dr. Za Hlei Thang, Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong, Salai Ni Lian, Dr. Chum Awi, Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, Dr. Roding, Pi Dawt Chin etc. and Louisa Coan of the NED was also present as an observer.
The Round Table Meeting thoroughly reviewed the FIRST and SECOND Initial Drafts of the Constitution of Chinland and gather inputs for the THIRD Draft. Once the THIRD DRAFT was prepared in its complete form it was to be submitted to a public Seminar and collect further feedbacks. The Meeting considered that the Chinland Constitution drafting process had, thus, reached a mature stage and decided to hire a constitutional law expert to review the draft from a legal point of views. Consequently Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian informed us that Professor David Williams John S. Hastings Professors of Law, Law School of Bloomington, Indiana University accepted our request to assist us as our legal advisor in Constitutional Law without charging us commercial rate fees.
2002 November.- The State Constitution Seminar held in November 1-5, 2002 New Delhi, India was attended by Conveners of the Chin Forum Working Group (I) such as Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Vumson Suantak and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian with the active participations of the following CFMB members: Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong, Victor Biak Lian and Salai Kipp Kho Lian. The Seminar was jointly sponsored by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and State Constitution Drafting Committee and was attended by various Chin political and social organizations, including leaders of the Chin National Front and Kuki organization etc. Apart from that other organizations and individuals belonging to ethnic Shan, Kachin, Naga, Burman and Arakanese also attended the Seminar. The THIRD Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland was put up to the general public by the CHIN FORUM to gather feedbacks and provoke discussions and debates. More than 200 participants took part in the fruitful discussions which became the basis for preparing for the FOURTH Draft.
The State Constitution Seminar was further held in Chaing Mai and was attended by Victor Biak Lian (Secretary), Pu Lian Uk (Convener) and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian (Co-convener) of the Chin Forum Working Group (I).
2002 November - Federalism and Local Self - Government in Germany, Burmese - German Dialogue held in Berlin on 25&26 November was attended by CFMB member Dr.Vumson Suantak representing the Chin ethnic. Other CFMB members like Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong and Salai Kipp Kho Lian also took active parts during the Conference. The Conference was also attended by various delegations of Shan, Pa-O, Karenni, Kachin and Burman, which included, among others, delegations of NCGUB, NLD(LA) etc..
2003 June - As already agreed in January 2002 (see above) the Chinland Constitution Consultative Meeting was held in the Indiana University School of Law Faculty Conference room on June 8, 2003, and attended by Prof. David C. Williams, consultant of the CFWG (I) and Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Za Hlei Thang, Dr. Vumson Suantak, Salai Victor Biak Lian, Salai Ni Lian, Salai Hre Mang, and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian. The Constitution Consultative meeting at IU School of Law - Bloomington prepared the ground works for the publication of the FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland.
2004 April - Fourth Draft of Chinland Constitution was officially presented at the Chin Consensus Building Seminar, held at Camp Victoria, General Hqrs. of the Chin National Front. Around hundred delegates from various Chin civil society groups, political parties such as CNF, ZNC, CNLD, MPP, civic societies of youth and women groups attended the historic Seminar. Dr. Vumson Suantak, Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong, Salai Kee Lee Awm, Dr. Sui Khar, Dr. Roding and Victor Biak Lian of the CHIN FORUM attended the Seminar. The FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland was approved by the Chin Consensus Building Seminar.
(NOTE: The CHIN FORUM played a major role in bringing all the Chin organizations and groups to work together for our common cause. The successful formation of the Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC)* during this Consensus Building Seminar that united all Chin organizations also coincided with the CHIN FORUMs constitution drafting process reaching its mature stage - the FOURTH Draft.).
2005 September - A one day consultation was held on the FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland again at Bloomington University, School of Law, between our consultant Prof. David Williams and Susan Williams with Chin Forum Management Body and later CFMB meeting was held in Indianapolis. It was the last time Dr. Vumson Suantak participated with us. He passed away right after this consultation.
2005 November. The 5th State Constitution Seminar, which was organized by Supporting Committee for Sate Constitution (SCSC) sponsored by NRP, was held in Chiang Mai from November 15 to 17, 2005. Three representatives from each of the constitution Drafting Committee from the seven States of the Union of Burma such as Chin,Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Rakhine an Shan, and three representatives from the Burman Constitution Study group attended the Seminar. Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Run Bik, Dr. Sui Khar and Victor Biak Lian also attended the meeting.
2005 December. - The Federal Constitution Drafting & Coordinating Committee (FCDCC)** Workshop was held from December 9 to 16, 2005. It was to discuss on the Draft of the Future Constitution of the Federal Union of Burma which was drafted by the FCDCC. The FCDCC members and one Representative from each Constitution Drafting Committee of all States and the Burmans Constitution Study Group attended the Workshop with Constitution Drafting Technical Advisory Team (TAT) led by Professor David Williams in which Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, Co-Convener of the CHIN FORUM Working Group (I), was one of them.
2006 July - The Chin Forum held its 3rd Managing Board meeting in Frankfurt/Main, Germany from 17 to 19 July 2006. Eight members of the Chin Forum Managing Board from Germany, Thailand, United States, Sweden and India were in attendance. The meeting discussed and reviewed the Chin Forums projects and undertakings for the past eight years, as well as laid down future work plans. More significantly, the Forums structure and operational scope were reformed and redefined. Victor Biak Lian, the Secretary of the CFMB was replaced with Salai Kipp Kho Lian to become the Coordinator of the Board. The Board meeting also inducted two new members: Pu Nang Lian Thang (Japan) and Pi Bianca Son Mang Khan Cing (Germany).
The Chin Forum also held a series of public consultative meetings in Germany, Norway and Denmark to collect comments and suggestions from Chin communities in Europe towards the development of the FIFTH DRAFT of the Chinland Constitution.
2007 January - Series of consultation on the FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland were held in New Zealand and Australia with the Chin Communities in those countries.
2007 July - Federal Constitution Drafting and Coordinating Committee's Seminar was held in Thailand and was attended by the members of the Chin Forum Managing Board and the Chin National Council Constitutional Affairs Committee. After the above-mentioned Semiar, the CFMB and the CNC- CAC members had two days long Chinland Constitution consultation with Prof. David Williams, Prof. Susan Williams, and David Hamilton. Participants in these consultations were CFMB Coordinator Salai Kipp Kho Lian, CFMB members Dr. Sui Khar, Pu Lian Uk (MP), Pu Nang Lian Thang and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian and members of the CNCCAC such as Pu Khua Uk Lian, Pu Thang Len Piang and Pu Lalramlawma, among others. Feedbacks and inputs were collected during this consultation, for the eventual preparation of the FIFTH DRAFT of the Chinland Constitution.
2007 October - The Chin Forum and the Chin National Council conducted the Advance Constitutional Training for Trainers in Aizawl, Mizoram from October 15-20, 2007. Over 40 Chin individuals from inside and outside Chinland attended the training. Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, a member of Chin Forum Managing Board and Research Fellow at the Center for Constitutional Democracy in Plural Societies at Indiana University School of Law lectured the training.
2008 April - The CHIN FORUM in close cooperation with the Chin National Council and Chin Human Rights Organization gave trainings and launched a Vote NO campaign in Chin State in response to the Military Regimes referendum planned on May 10, 2008. The referendum result was overwhelming NO to the SPDCs one-sidedly drafted Constitution though the military junta rigged the voting result.
2008 September - The CHIN FORUM Magazine commemorating its Tenth Anniversary was published. At the same time the FIFTH Initial Draft of Chinland Constitution was also published.
Note: Victor Biak Lian, who had served as Secretary of the Chin Forum Managing Board (1998-2006) had continuously held a series of consultation and explanations on the FOURTH Initial Draft Of Chinland Constitution in the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India to members of the local Chin communities. Apart from that the process of Drafting the Chinland Constitution has been updated and reported regularly via CHIN FORUM INFORMATION SERVICE and on the CHIN FORUM webpage (www.chinforum.org) for the past decades.
Inspired by the Chin Federal Movement in the exiles, other ethnic nationalities adopted the FOURTH Initial Draft of Chinland Constitution as a model State Constitution and followed suit by drafting their own States Constitutions. This in turn paved the way for a harmonious atmosphere for drafting together with other Burman-led democratic forces a Constitution for the future Federal Republic of Union of Burma.
2008 October - An International Chin Seminar titled 'Exploring the history, culture and identity of the Chin people' was held at Chaltlang Tourist Lodge in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram State, India. The three-day seminar was jointly initiated by the CHIN FORUM and the CNC and organized by the Mizoram University. Presentations and discussions on the Chin history, culture and identity were conducted by more than 150 CHIN/ MIZO/ KUKI and other international scholars including those from USA, Canada, Thailand, India, Burma and Europe. A total of 36 scholarly papers on Chin related papers were presented during the seminar. Professor A.N. Rai, Vice Chancellor of Mizoram University, inaugurated the programme and the introductory speech was given by Coordinator of the seminar, Dr. K. Robin of History Department and keynote address by Professor J.L. Dawar. The event was sponsored by the Euro-Burma Office.
Euro-Burma Office Research Director and Chairman of Chin National Council, Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong, gave a speech on behalf of Euro-Burma Office (EBO) and Salai Kipp Kho Lian, CHIN FORUM Coordinator, spoke on behalf of Chin National Council.
2009 NovemberThe Fifth CHIN FORUM MANAGING BOARD MEETING: With the financial support of the EBO, the CFMB is able to convene the Fifth CFMB meeting on 13, 14 and 15 November in Aizawl. All CFMB members except Dr. Roding and Dr. Za Hlei Thang are present during the meeting. During the 5th., CFMB all activities of the previous years are evaluated and eventually the structure of the FORUM was amended to have one Chairman, one Coordinator and three Facilitators who will take care of the activities of the FORUMS focus areas such as Constitution, Communication and Human Resource Development. With the new structure, the CFMB is convinced that the CHIN FORUM works in the future would be more effective as different tasks and responsibilities are divided to the new facilitators instead of having one Coordinator doing all the jobs.
The new lineup of the CFMB is as follow:-
Pu Lian Uk (Chairman)
Salai Kipp Kho Lian (Coordinator)
Pu Nang Lian Thang (Facilitator Communication)
Pu Victor Biak Lian (Facilitator Human Development)
Dr. Ngun Cung Lian (Facilitator Constitution)
Members
Dr. Lian H. Sakhong
Dr. Za Hlei Thang
Bianca Son Mang Khan Cing
Dr. Roding
Dr. Sui Khar
Book Release Programme: While the CFMB is in Aizawl to convene its Fifth Meeting, the CFMB managed to organize a Book Release Programme on 16 November 2009 at the Chaltlang Tourist Lodge. The Book: CHIN: History, Culture and Identifya compilation of academic papers submitted by various scholars during the International Chin Seminar in Aizawl, 2008is release during the programme on 16 November 2009 at the Conference Hall, Chaltlang Tourist Lodge in Aizawl. The Book Release function was chaired by Mr. Joseph Lalzarliana Assistant Professor, Department of History & Ethnography, MZU, and graced by the Honorable Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalthanhawla.
The function began with a short introduction from the Chairman Mr. Joseph Lalzarliana and followed by a brief report on how the book came into its publication by the editor Dr. K. Robin, Assistant Professor, Department of History & Ethnography, MZU.
Thereafter, Mr. Lallianchhunga, Assitant Professor, MZU reviewed the book on "Chin: History, Culture and Identity". The Honorable Chief Guest Shri. Lalthanhawla, Chief Minister of Mizoram delivered an enlightening speech for over an hour and was followed by another wonderful speech from Harn Yawnghwe, Director, Euro Burma Office, Brussels the funtion was winded up by a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Lian H. Sakhong, Research Director, Euro Burma Office, Brussels. Copies of the book CHIN: History, Culture and Identity are launched during the event. A dinner party is hosted by the CFMB followed by music concert of local Mizo singers.
Dinner with MARALAND DEMOCRATIC FRONT: The MDF invited the CFMB members for a dinner party on 17 November 2009 at Chaltlang Tourist Lodge and during the events cordial exchange of opinions surrounding the issues of Maraland is made between members of the CFMB and the leaders of MDF, including its Founder President Pu P.P. Thawla.
CHIN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: The CFMB is also able to attend the CNA held at the Indo-Burma border from 18-20 November. Mr. Harn Yawng Hwe is also present during the Assembly. CFMB members such as Dr. Lian H. Sakhong, Pu Lian Uk, Pu Nang Lian Thang and Salai Kipp Kho Lian are assigned on the respective days of the Assembly to act as Chairmen of the event. Each of them delivered their separate speeches on each day during the three day long assembly. Pu Nang Lian Thang, one of the CFMB members, acted as the Chairperson of the Election Commission of the Chin National Council during the last day of the Assembly. Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian of the CFMB is also among the members of the Commission. The CFMB actively participated in political discussions and advices are given as necessary.
The TOT for Capacity Building: Following the Assembly the TOT for Capacity Building commenced and under the leadership of Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, CFMB members such as Pu Lian Uk and Pu Nang Lian Thang gave trainings to students coming from inside the country from 20st. to 27th. November.
Epilogue: The CHIN FORUM marks its tenth anniversary in May 2008 and this year also coincides with the 20th., anniversary of the historic Four-Eights Democracy-Revolution in Burma. Looking back at the past ten years of its activities, the CHIN FORUM can proudly claim successes in its endeavors given the facts that it has accomplished its stated goals set from the onset of its inception in 1998:-
i) With the formation of the Chin National Council* in 2006an umbrella organization of all leading Chin organizations such as CNF, ZNC, CNLD and MPP etc. for which the Forum had played a vital role, it has accomplished one of its aims to continuously strengthen unity among the Chins
ii) It has updated the Chinland Constitution to the Fifth Draft as its latest version;
iii) It has conducted numerous trainings, seminars and workshops on Constitutional democracy for Chin students and general public in the past decade (for security reasons not all are mentioned in this chronology) and heightened the political awareness, and moreover solidified the unity among the Chin people;
iv) It has set up a good reputation and strong relationship with the Chin students and general masses inside the country;
Nevertheless, reviewing its past experiences, the FORUMin order to sustain its strengths and effectiveness of its activities- is committed to remain a Political Think-Tank and has no intention to transform itself into a political organization.
Our deepest appreciation goes to all Friends of Chinland world-wide and to our generous donors such as the NED, EBO, OSI, NRP and also to our legal advisors from the Center for Constitutional Democracy in Plural Societies (USA) without whose solidarity and financial supports the CHIN FORUMs activities in the past decade would not yield fruits.
* The Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC) conducts the first Chin National Assembly in 2006 at Mt. Sinai, Head Quarters of the Zomi National Congress and the Chin National Council was formed. The Chin National Council comprises of the Chin National Front, Chin National League for Democracy, Mara Peoples Party, Zomi National Congress and Civic Organizations to unitedly promote the Chin national interests. The CNC represents all the major Chin political organizations in the Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC). The ENC, which promotes a peaceful co-existence of all nationalities in the future federal Union of Burma, represents the ethnic nationalities in exile.
**Federal Constitution Drafting and Coordination Committee (FCDCC) came into existence on 19 April 2005 comprising of members of ENC, NCGUB, NCUB, NDF, UNLD, WLB, Nationalities Youth Forum (NY-Forum) and Students and Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB). The FCDCC presented the first draft of the Federal Constitution of the Union of Burma at the Federal Constitution seminar held from 69 April 2006 and was adopted by 101 participants from 52 organizations including democratic forces and ethnic nationalities. The FCDCC has completed the second draft of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of the Union of Burma in 2007-2008.
Abbreviations:
CFMB = Chin Forum Managing Board
CFWGI = Chin Forum Working Group I
CCDPS = Center for Constitutional Democracy in Plural Societies
CNF = Chin National Front
CNLD = Chin National League for Democracy
CNC = Chin National Council
CNC-CAC = Chin National Council Constitutional Affairs Committee
CHRO = Chin Human Rights Organization
EBO = Euro-Burma Office
ENC = Ethnic Nationalities Council
FCDCC = Federal Constitution Drafting & Coordinating Committee
MPP = Mara Peoples Party
NDF = National Democratic Front
NRP = National Reconciliation Program
NCGUB = National Coalition Government of Union of Burma
NCUB = National Coalition of Union of Burma
NLD (LA) = National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
NED = National Endowment for Democracy
OSI = Open Society Institute
PACC = Political Affairs Committee of Chinland
UNLD = United Nationalities League for Democracy
WLB = Women s League of Burma
ZNC = Zomi National Congress
NOTE: This CHIN FORUM Chronology of Events is last updated on 4 February 2010.
The CHIN FORUM is neither a political, social, religious organizations nor a part or branch of any active political organizations of the Chins. It is a common Platform, from where any Chin individual can exchange his or her knowledge, capacities, skills and expertise with other fellow compatriots impartially and independently. It is a Forum for promoting the common NATIONAL INTERESTS of the Chin people. There is no place in the CHIN FORUM for promoting any individual, organizational or local interests.
1998 April- May - The CHIN FORUM was founded by the First Chin Seminar in Ottawa, Canada. The First Chin Seminar, initiated by Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong and organized by the Chin National Front, was held successfully on April 29 to May 2, 1998 with the aims of promoting unity among all the Chin democratic forces. The said Seminar; sponsored by the Euro-Burma Office (EBO) and was attended by 17 Chin compatriots including elected MPs, intellectuals, and freedom fighters inside and outside of Chinland of Burma. All the participants of the Chin Seminar agreed to form the CHIN FORUM under which function various working groups, namely:-
Constitution Drafting Working Group (WG-I)
Information and Communication Working Group (WG-II)
Education Working Group (WG-III); later expanded the number of working groups such as Historical Research and Preservation Working Group (WG-VI)
Convener and Co-conveners were selected for each working group.
All the working groups execute their respective assignments according to program and policy laid out by the Chin Forum Management Board CFMB). Information and Communication Working Group, the Education Working Group and the Constitution Drafting Working Group executed their assignment very well. But the Economics and Data Collecting WG, Health WG and Historical Research and Preservation WG could not execute their respective programs due to lack of available sponsorships.
The Constitution Drafting Working Group effectively carried out its tasks assigned by the CFMB during the Chin Seminar. The success of this WG I could also be attributed to the generous sponsorship from the National Endowment for Democracy. The Draft Constitution of Chinland, ignited the first wave of the Chin Federal Movement in the exile to unify all Chin democratic forces.
1999 March - The FIRST Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland with Chin Political History and Social background prepared by Pu Lian Uk, the Convener of CHIN FORUM Working Group (I), was put up at the Round Table Meeting of the WG-I and the CFMB in Washington DC. The Round Table Meeting was sponsored by the EBO. The participants of the Round Table Meetings made physical consultations on the FIRST Initial Draft with a constitutional law expert of the National Endowment for Democracy and a professor from Princeton University. Based on these consultations and inputs by members of the CFMB, the Convener of the CF (WG-I) was assigned by the Meeting to work further and produce a Second Draft.
1999 The English for Chins in 21st. Century project was initiated by the CHIN FORUM with the financial support of the Open Society Institute (OSI), Burma Project. The project was implemented at eight centers in Chin State and English was taught to young Chins for several years assisting and preparing for them in their pursuit of higher learning abroad.
2000 April - The Second Chin Seminar, sponsored by the National Reconciliation Project and attended by 95 Chin delegations from Mizoram, New Delhi, Europe, USA and Australia etc., was successfully held in New Delhi, India from 4 to 8 April 2000. CFMB members like Pu Mang Bur, Dr. Za Hlei Thang, Salai Kipp Kho Lian and Salai Nilian actively participated in the Seminar. For the first time the CHIN FORUM put up the SECOND Initial Draft of Principle Guidelines for the future Constitution of Chinland to the general public of about 200 participants during this Second Chin Seminar. The participants were made up of individuals and members of Chin political and social organizations belonging to all tribes and regions of Chin State. Based on inputs by this Seminar the CFWGI was assigned to prepare the THIRD Draft. During the Seminar Dr. Salai Pa Cin, Salai Kee Lee Awm and Salai Cang Peng were inducted as new members of the CFMB.
2001 August - Pu Lian Uk, Convener of the Working Group (I) and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, Co-convener of the Working Group (I) attended the State Constitution Seminar held by National Democratic Front and United Nationalities League for Democracy, sponsored by National Reconciliation Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand in August 20-26, 2001. Pu Lian Uk and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian distributed the SECOND Initial Draft of Principle Guidelines for the future Constitution of Chinland at the request of the Seminar and explained its process and its contents at a special session of the Seminar. The drafting process and the contents of the Chinland Constitution was thus widely credited by Karens, Kachins, Mons, Arakans, Shans, Karennis and Burmans during this seminar.
2002 January. With the assistances of the Department of States USA, National Endowment for Democracy and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the Chin Forum Working Group (I) Round Table Constitution Consultative Meeting was held in Washington D.C. on January 15-22, 2002. The meeting took place at the Chin Baptist Mission Church in Washington D.C. and was attended by Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Vumson Suantak, Dr. Za Hlei Thang, Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong, Salai Ni Lian, Dr. Chum Awi, Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, Dr. Roding, Pi Dawt Chin etc. and Louisa Coan of the NED was also present as an observer.
The Round Table Meeting thoroughly reviewed the FIRST and SECOND Initial Drafts of the Constitution of Chinland and gather inputs for the THIRD Draft. Once the THIRD DRAFT was prepared in its complete form it was to be submitted to a public Seminar and collect further feedbacks. The Meeting considered that the Chinland Constitution drafting process had, thus, reached a mature stage and decided to hire a constitutional law expert to review the draft from a legal point of views. Consequently Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian informed us that Professor David Williams John S. Hastings Professors of Law, Law School of Bloomington, Indiana University accepted our request to assist us as our legal advisor in Constitutional Law without charging us commercial rate fees.
2002 November.- The State Constitution Seminar held in November 1-5, 2002 New Delhi, India was attended by Conveners of the Chin Forum Working Group (I) such as Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Vumson Suantak and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian with the active participations of the following CFMB members: Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong, Victor Biak Lian and Salai Kipp Kho Lian. The Seminar was jointly sponsored by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and State Constitution Drafting Committee and was attended by various Chin political and social organizations, including leaders of the Chin National Front and Kuki organization etc. Apart from that other organizations and individuals belonging to ethnic Shan, Kachin, Naga, Burman and Arakanese also attended the Seminar. The THIRD Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland was put up to the general public by the CHIN FORUM to gather feedbacks and provoke discussions and debates. More than 200 participants took part in the fruitful discussions which became the basis for preparing for the FOURTH Draft.
The State Constitution Seminar was further held in Chaing Mai and was attended by Victor Biak Lian (Secretary), Pu Lian Uk (Convener) and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian (Co-convener) of the Chin Forum Working Group (I).
2002 November - Federalism and Local Self - Government in Germany, Burmese - German Dialogue held in Berlin on 25&26 November was attended by CFMB member Dr.Vumson Suantak representing the Chin ethnic. Other CFMB members like Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong and Salai Kipp Kho Lian also took active parts during the Conference. The Conference was also attended by various delegations of Shan, Pa-O, Karenni, Kachin and Burman, which included, among others, delegations of NCGUB, NLD(LA) etc..
2003 June - As already agreed in January 2002 (see above) the Chinland Constitution Consultative Meeting was held in the Indiana University School of Law Faculty Conference room on June 8, 2003, and attended by Prof. David C. Williams, consultant of the CFWG (I) and Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Za Hlei Thang, Dr. Vumson Suantak, Salai Victor Biak Lian, Salai Ni Lian, Salai Hre Mang, and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian. The Constitution Consultative meeting at IU School of Law - Bloomington prepared the ground works for the publication of the FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland.
2004 April - Fourth Draft of Chinland Constitution was officially presented at the Chin Consensus Building Seminar, held at Camp Victoria, General Hqrs. of the Chin National Front. Around hundred delegates from various Chin civil society groups, political parties such as CNF, ZNC, CNLD, MPP, civic societies of youth and women groups attended the historic Seminar. Dr. Vumson Suantak, Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong, Salai Kee Lee Awm, Dr. Sui Khar, Dr. Roding and Victor Biak Lian of the CHIN FORUM attended the Seminar. The FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland was approved by the Chin Consensus Building Seminar.
(NOTE: The CHIN FORUM played a major role in bringing all the Chin organizations and groups to work together for our common cause. The successful formation of the Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC)* during this Consensus Building Seminar that united all Chin organizations also coincided with the CHIN FORUMs constitution drafting process reaching its mature stage - the FOURTH Draft.).
2005 September - A one day consultation was held on the FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland again at Bloomington University, School of Law, between our consultant Prof. David Williams and Susan Williams with Chin Forum Management Body and later CFMB meeting was held in Indianapolis. It was the last time Dr. Vumson Suantak participated with us. He passed away right after this consultation.
2005 November. The 5th State Constitution Seminar, which was organized by Supporting Committee for Sate Constitution (SCSC) sponsored by NRP, was held in Chiang Mai from November 15 to 17, 2005. Three representatives from each of the constitution Drafting Committee from the seven States of the Union of Burma such as Chin,Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Rakhine an Shan, and three representatives from the Burman Constitution Study group attended the Seminar. Pu Lian Uk, Dr. Run Bik, Dr. Sui Khar and Victor Biak Lian also attended the meeting.
2005 December. - The Federal Constitution Drafting & Coordinating Committee (FCDCC)** Workshop was held from December 9 to 16, 2005. It was to discuss on the Draft of the Future Constitution of the Federal Union of Burma which was drafted by the FCDCC. The FCDCC members and one Representative from each Constitution Drafting Committee of all States and the Burmans Constitution Study Group attended the Workshop with Constitution Drafting Technical Advisory Team (TAT) led by Professor David Williams in which Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, Co-Convener of the CHIN FORUM Working Group (I), was one of them.
2006 July - The Chin Forum held its 3rd Managing Board meeting in Frankfurt/Main, Germany from 17 to 19 July 2006. Eight members of the Chin Forum Managing Board from Germany, Thailand, United States, Sweden and India were in attendance. The meeting discussed and reviewed the Chin Forums projects and undertakings for the past eight years, as well as laid down future work plans. More significantly, the Forums structure and operational scope were reformed and redefined. Victor Biak Lian, the Secretary of the CFMB was replaced with Salai Kipp Kho Lian to become the Coordinator of the Board. The Board meeting also inducted two new members: Pu Nang Lian Thang (Japan) and Pi Bianca Son Mang Khan Cing (Germany).
The Chin Forum also held a series of public consultative meetings in Germany, Norway and Denmark to collect comments and suggestions from Chin communities in Europe towards the development of the FIFTH DRAFT of the Chinland Constitution.
2007 January - Series of consultation on the FOURTH Initial Draft of the Constitution of Chinland were held in New Zealand and Australia with the Chin Communities in those countries.
2007 July - Federal Constitution Drafting and Coordinating Committee's Seminar was held in Thailand and was attended by the members of the Chin Forum Managing Board and the Chin National Council Constitutional Affairs Committee. After the above-mentioned Semiar, the CFMB and the CNC- CAC members had two days long Chinland Constitution consultation with Prof. David Williams, Prof. Susan Williams, and David Hamilton. Participants in these consultations were CFMB Coordinator Salai Kipp Kho Lian, CFMB members Dr. Sui Khar, Pu Lian Uk (MP), Pu Nang Lian Thang and Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian and members of the CNCCAC such as Pu Khua Uk Lian, Pu Thang Len Piang and Pu Lalramlawma, among others. Feedbacks and inputs were collected during this consultation, for the eventual preparation of the FIFTH DRAFT of the Chinland Constitution.
2007 October - The Chin Forum and the Chin National Council conducted the Advance Constitutional Training for Trainers in Aizawl, Mizoram from October 15-20, 2007. Over 40 Chin individuals from inside and outside Chinland attended the training. Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, a member of Chin Forum Managing Board and Research Fellow at the Center for Constitutional Democracy in Plural Societies at Indiana University School of Law lectured the training.
2008 April - The CHIN FORUM in close cooperation with the Chin National Council and Chin Human Rights Organization gave trainings and launched a Vote NO campaign in Chin State in response to the Military Regimes referendum planned on May 10, 2008. The referendum result was overwhelming NO to the SPDCs one-sidedly drafted Constitution though the military junta rigged the voting result.
2008 September - The CHIN FORUM Magazine commemorating its Tenth Anniversary was published. At the same time the FIFTH Initial Draft of Chinland Constitution was also published.
Note: Victor Biak Lian, who had served as Secretary of the Chin Forum Managing Board (1998-2006) had continuously held a series of consultation and explanations on the FOURTH Initial Draft Of Chinland Constitution in the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India to members of the local Chin communities. Apart from that the process of Drafting the Chinland Constitution has been updated and reported regularly via CHIN FORUM INFORMATION SERVICE and on the CHIN FORUM webpage (www.chinforum.org) for the past decades.
Inspired by the Chin Federal Movement in the exiles, other ethnic nationalities adopted the FOURTH Initial Draft of Chinland Constitution as a model State Constitution and followed suit by drafting their own States Constitutions. This in turn paved the way for a harmonious atmosphere for drafting together with other Burman-led democratic forces a Constitution for the future Federal Republic of Union of Burma.
2008 October - An International Chin Seminar titled 'Exploring the history, culture and identity of the Chin people' was held at Chaltlang Tourist Lodge in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram State, India. The three-day seminar was jointly initiated by the CHIN FORUM and the CNC and organized by the Mizoram University. Presentations and discussions on the Chin history, culture and identity were conducted by more than 150 CHIN/ MIZO/ KUKI and other international scholars including those from USA, Canada, Thailand, India, Burma and Europe. A total of 36 scholarly papers on Chin related papers were presented during the seminar. Professor A.N. Rai, Vice Chancellor of Mizoram University, inaugurated the programme and the introductory speech was given by Coordinator of the seminar, Dr. K. Robin of History Department and keynote address by Professor J.L. Dawar. The event was sponsored by the Euro-Burma Office.
Euro-Burma Office Research Director and Chairman of Chin National Council, Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong, gave a speech on behalf of Euro-Burma Office (EBO) and Salai Kipp Kho Lian, CHIN FORUM Coordinator, spoke on behalf of Chin National Council.
2009 NovemberThe Fifth CHIN FORUM MANAGING BOARD MEETING: With the financial support of the EBO, the CFMB is able to convene the Fifth CFMB meeting on 13, 14 and 15 November in Aizawl. All CFMB members except Dr. Roding and Dr. Za Hlei Thang are present during the meeting. During the 5th., CFMB all activities of the previous years are evaluated and eventually the structure of the FORUM was amended to have one Chairman, one Coordinator and three Facilitators who will take care of the activities of the FORUMS focus areas such as Constitution, Communication and Human Resource Development. With the new structure, the CFMB is convinced that the CHIN FORUM works in the future would be more effective as different tasks and responsibilities are divided to the new facilitators instead of having one Coordinator doing all the jobs.
The new lineup of the CFMB is as follow:-
Pu Lian Uk (Chairman)
Salai Kipp Kho Lian (Coordinator)
Pu Nang Lian Thang (Facilitator Communication)
Pu Victor Biak Lian (Facilitator Human Development)
Dr. Ngun Cung Lian (Facilitator Constitution)
Members
Dr. Lian H. Sakhong
Dr. Za Hlei Thang
Bianca Son Mang Khan Cing
Dr. Roding
Dr. Sui Khar
Book Release Programme: While the CFMB is in Aizawl to convene its Fifth Meeting, the CFMB managed to organize a Book Release Programme on 16 November 2009 at the Chaltlang Tourist Lodge. The Book: CHIN: History, Culture and Identifya compilation of academic papers submitted by various scholars during the International Chin Seminar in Aizawl, 2008is release during the programme on 16 November 2009 at the Conference Hall, Chaltlang Tourist Lodge in Aizawl. The Book Release function was chaired by Mr. Joseph Lalzarliana Assistant Professor, Department of History & Ethnography, MZU, and graced by the Honorable Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalthanhawla.
The function began with a short introduction from the Chairman Mr. Joseph Lalzarliana and followed by a brief report on how the book came into its publication by the editor Dr. K. Robin, Assistant Professor, Department of History & Ethnography, MZU.
Thereafter, Mr. Lallianchhunga, Assitant Professor, MZU reviewed the book on "Chin: History, Culture and Identity". The Honorable Chief Guest Shri. Lalthanhawla, Chief Minister of Mizoram delivered an enlightening speech for over an hour and was followed by another wonderful speech from Harn Yawnghwe, Director, Euro Burma Office, Brussels the funtion was winded up by a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Lian H. Sakhong, Research Director, Euro Burma Office, Brussels. Copies of the book CHIN: History, Culture and Identity are launched during the event. A dinner party is hosted by the CFMB followed by music concert of local Mizo singers.
Dinner with MARALAND DEMOCRATIC FRONT: The MDF invited the CFMB members for a dinner party on 17 November 2009 at Chaltlang Tourist Lodge and during the events cordial exchange of opinions surrounding the issues of Maraland is made between members of the CFMB and the leaders of MDF, including its Founder President Pu P.P. Thawla.
CHIN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: The CFMB is also able to attend the CNA held at the Indo-Burma border from 18-20 November. Mr. Harn Yawng Hwe is also present during the Assembly. CFMB members such as Dr. Lian H. Sakhong, Pu Lian Uk, Pu Nang Lian Thang and Salai Kipp Kho Lian are assigned on the respective days of the Assembly to act as Chairmen of the event. Each of them delivered their separate speeches on each day during the three day long assembly. Pu Nang Lian Thang, one of the CFMB members, acted as the Chairperson of the Election Commission of the Chin National Council during the last day of the Assembly. Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian of the CFMB is also among the members of the Commission. The CFMB actively participated in political discussions and advices are given as necessary.
The TOT for Capacity Building: Following the Assembly the TOT for Capacity Building commenced and under the leadership of Dr. Salai Ngun Cung Lian, CFMB members such as Pu Lian Uk and Pu Nang Lian Thang gave trainings to students coming from inside the country from 20st. to 27th. November.
Epilogue: The CHIN FORUM marks its tenth anniversary in May 2008 and this year also coincides with the 20th., anniversary of the historic Four-Eights Democracy-Revolution in Burma. Looking back at the past ten years of its activities, the CHIN FORUM can proudly claim successes in its endeavors given the facts that it has accomplished its stated goals set from the onset of its inception in 1998:-
i) With the formation of the Chin National Council* in 2006an umbrella organization of all leading Chin organizations such as CNF, ZNC, CNLD and MPP etc. for which the Forum had played a vital role, it has accomplished one of its aims to continuously strengthen unity among the Chins
ii) It has updated the Chinland Constitution to the Fifth Draft as its latest version;
iii) It has conducted numerous trainings, seminars and workshops on Constitutional democracy for Chin students and general public in the past decade (for security reasons not all are mentioned in this chronology) and heightened the political awareness, and moreover solidified the unity among the Chin people;
iv) It has set up a good reputation and strong relationship with the Chin students and general masses inside the country;
Nevertheless, reviewing its past experiences, the FORUMin order to sustain its strengths and effectiveness of its activities- is committed to remain a Political Think-Tank and has no intention to transform itself into a political organization.
Our deepest appreciation goes to all Friends of Chinland world-wide and to our generous donors such as the NED, EBO, OSI, NRP and also to our legal advisors from the Center for Constitutional Democracy in Plural Societies (USA) without whose solidarity and financial supports the CHIN FORUMs activities in the past decade would not yield fruits.
* The Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC) conducts the first Chin National Assembly in 2006 at Mt. Sinai, Head Quarters of the Zomi National Congress and the Chin National Council was formed. The Chin National Council comprises of the Chin National Front, Chin National League for Democracy, Mara Peoples Party, Zomi National Congress and Civic Organizations to unitedly promote the Chin national interests. The CNC represents all the major Chin political organizations in the Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC). The ENC, which promotes a peaceful co-existence of all nationalities in the future federal Union of Burma, represents the ethnic nationalities in exile.
**Federal Constitution Drafting and Coordination Committee (FCDCC) came into existence on 19 April 2005 comprising of members of ENC, NCGUB, NCUB, NDF, UNLD, WLB, Nationalities Youth Forum (NY-Forum) and Students and Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB). The FCDCC presented the first draft of the Federal Constitution of the Union of Burma at the Federal Constitution seminar held from 69 April 2006 and was adopted by 101 participants from 52 organizations including democratic forces and ethnic nationalities. The FCDCC has completed the second draft of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of the Union of Burma in 2007-2008.
Abbreviations:
CFMB = Chin Forum Managing Board
CFWGI = Chin Forum Working Group I
CCDPS = Center for Constitutional Democracy in Plural Societies
CNF = Chin National Front
CNLD = Chin National League for Democracy
CNC = Chin National Council
CNC-CAC = Chin National Council Constitutional Affairs Committee
CHRO = Chin Human Rights Organization
EBO = Euro-Burma Office
ENC = Ethnic Nationalities Council
FCDCC = Federal Constitution Drafting & Coordinating Committee
MPP = Mara Peoples Party
NDF = National Democratic Front
NRP = National Reconciliation Program
NCGUB = National Coalition Government of Union of Burma
NCUB = National Coalition of Union of Burma
NLD (LA) = National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
NED = National Endowment for Democracy
OSI = Open Society Institute
PACC = Political Affairs Committee of Chinland
UNLD = United Nationalities League for Democracy
WLB = Women s League of Burma
ZNC = Zomi National Congress
NOTE: This CHIN FORUM Chronology of Events is last updated on 4 February 2010.
