The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 5th December 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Needless diversion

Why in News?

Venezuela’s move to hold a referendum on whether it should exercise sovereignty over Essequibo, a vast, oil-rich disputed region that is now part of neighbouring Guyana, has cut open old wounds and inflamed tensions between the South American nations.

About Guyana-Venezuela Border Dispute:

• History:
  • The land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela has been disputed since its colonial inception between British and Spanish powers in South America. 
  • In the 1840s, the British government had the border unilaterally surveyed, but the proposed line encroached on Venezuelan territorial claims.
  • The boundary has since been arbitrated (1899) and bilaterally agreed upon following demarcation (1905) but remains in conflict.
  • While the British line, accepted by Guyana, is the current de facto boundary, Venezuela maintains a historic claim to all territory currently administered by Guyana west of the Essequibo River.
  • Venezuelan contents that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void. 
• Disputed Area:
  • Venezuela’s claim along the Essequibo River extends for 1,034 kilometers before reaching Brazilian territory. 
  • At stake is approximately 142,795 square kilometers that is currently administered by Guyana.
  • Offshore the disputed land territory is maritime space that was recently discovered to be rich in hydrocarbon resources, upping the stakes of the land boundary dispute.
• Current Status:
  • Guyana submitted the dispute to the International Court of Justice in 2018.
  • Despite Venezuela’s withdrawal from the case, proceedings are currently ongoing.

Why in News?

A cursory look at the vote shares obtained by political parties in Mizoram — the victorious Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) garnered 37.9%, the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF) 35.1%, the Congress 20.8% and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 5.1% — suggests that the ZPM managed to win a clear majority, 27 out of the 40 seats, because of a fractured mandate.

About Zo people

• The Zo people, also known as the Mizo-Kuki-Chin group, are an indigenous ethnic group primarily inhabiting the northeastern states of Manipur and Mizoram in India.
• They also have a significant presence in neighboring regions of Bangladesh and Myanmar. The Zo people have a rich cultural heritage, distinctive traditions, and a strong sense of identity.
• In Manipur, the Zo people primarily reside in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, and Senapati.
• They are one of the major ethnic communities in the state and have made significant contributions to its cultural diversity. In Mizoram, the Zo people constitute the largest ethnic group and are the native inhabitants of the state.

Zo People Society, Occupation and Religion