Karbi Anglong, January 7 (MExN): The Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council (RNPC) of Assam has appealed to the Government of Nagaland to immediately upgrade one of its oldest sub-divisions, Tseminyu, into a “full-fledged” district in Nagaland.
In a press release from its President, Shahi Rengma, and Secretary, Solomon Himb, the RNPC, headquartered in Phentsero area of Assam’s Karbi Anglong, expressed solidarity and support to the Rengma Hoho, Rengma Selo Zi and Rengma Students’ Union’s demand for upgrading Tseminyu sub-division to a district.
It also sought the blessings of neighbouring tribes like Angami, Sumi, Lotha for the same and asked the “dynamic leadership” under Nagaland State Chief Minister TR Zeliang to expedite formation of the 14th district of Nagaland.
Rengma history
The written recorded history of the Nagas, according to the RNPC, began with the Rengma Nagas.
“The Rengma Nagas are the first among the Nagas to come in contact with the British. The first British occupational forces who came in contact with the Rengma Nagas were in 1793, when Capt. Neufville, Capt. Mac Morraine and Colonel Alfred Richards swooped down into the Rengma country and began to explore and annexed the Rengma country from 1824; while the other Nagas, such as Angamis and Zeliangs (Kutcha Nagas) came in contact with British occupational forces, led by Capt. Jenkins and Pemberton only on 23rd January, 1832 at Segmai, Yangmai, Poplongmai, Samagoodting, Razephema etc.,” stated the Council.
Among the Nagas, “the Rengma Nagas was the first to have been recognized by the British Government and territory of their own known as Rengma Hills since 1841.”
“The Rengma Hills was created by the British Government, vide Political Proceedings Nos.79 and 80 on April, 18, 1841, with more than 7000 sq kms administered separately under the British Raj. After 25 years of administration under the British Government, the Rengma Hills was merged into the Naga Hills in 1866, where Lt. Gregory was the first Political Agent of the Naga Hills, and established its administrative centre at Samagoodting. Finally, on 16th December, 1867, the Governor-General-in-Council declared the Naga Hills Boundary Fixation Act (inclusive of entire Rengma Hills), vide Order letter No.3386 (P), dated 16th December, 1867,” narrated the apex body of the Rengma people in Assam. Further, the RNPC noted, “The present Rengma Hills of Assam came under one administrative unit with the Naga Hills by the British Government for a period of 32 years, when on 9th December, 1898, the chunk of the Rengma Hills (East and West Rengma Mouzas) were transferred into the adjoining Districts of Assam (Nowgong and Sibsagar Districts) for administrative convenience, vide Order letter No.5646, dated Shillong, 9th December, 1898, leaving a small portion of present Tseminyu Sub-division under the Naga Hills.”
That was how, it stated, “the chunk of the Rengma Hills, which was a part of the Naga Hills since 1866 was transferred into the adjoining districts of Assam in 1898 during the British period. The last revenue of the Rengma Hills was submitted at Kohima and the amount came to Rs.742 in 1898, and from 1899 onwards, the revenue of the Rengma Hills were submitted to the Treasury of Nowgong and Sibsagar Districts. Since then the bulk of the Rengma Hills came under the administration of Assam after the British left India.”
