Jalukie, August 23 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) has denounced the “ultimatum” given to the Government of Nagaland and Naga Hoho for withdrawal of the recognition of the Rongmei peoples as an ‘Indigenous Tribe’ of Nagaland.
In a press statement, signed by its President Rangsam N Hau and General Secretary Meijiang Gonmei, the ZBN also appealed to the State Government and the Naga Hoho to “remain resolute” with their decisions so that “people can have faith in your credibility and leadership in the years to come.”
The ZBN stated that it was constrained to issue such a statement given the reactions to the said issue. It reminded that the Baudi is the apex body of all Zeliangrong tribes and made a “clarion call to all Nagas that the Rongmei tribe is very much a kindred brother of Zeme and Liangmai which was recognized on the consent and recommendation of all Zeliangrong civil societies in Nagaland, Naga Hoho and senior leaders of various political parties in Nagaland.”
The ZBN remained surprised that “certain organization” has given an “ultimatum” to the Naga Hoho, the apex body of all Naga tribes, for “withdrawal of the endorsement given to State Government to recognize Rongmei as one of the tribes in Nagaland.”
Reminding people of how Rongmei people have been living peacefully since before Nagaland statehood with “solid foundation of history,” the Baudi narrated how Rongmei people in Dimapur were amongst those “who rallied in support of merging Dimapur land with Naga Hills to make Nagaland state carved out from Assam in early 1960’s.” They were also the first to demonstrate Naga culture and dance during the Statehood function and represented Nagaland cultural troupe to Delhi in early years, it noted.
“It is very unfortunate to see certain Naga brothers from Nagaland now showing ingratitude and opposing the recognition of Rongmeis as one of the Naga tribes living in Nagaland prior to India’s independence,” stated the ZBN, affirming that the Zeliangrong people are “inseparable from each other.”
he “historic decision” to recognize the Rongmei Naga tribe was finally taken after “several years of examinations, surveys and legal opinions from experts and Naga organisations during the time of Neiphiu Rio’s government,” maintained the ZBN.
However, it said, “some sections of people” are bent on opposing the decision “during TR Zeliang’s government at the cost of destroying the children’s future of Rongmei tribe which is against human rights.”
In that, the Baudi appealed to these sections to “reconsider their decision and extend all support to the government’s democratic decision to grant Indigenous Naga Tribe status to Rongmei tribe of Nagaland who have settled prior to statehood.”
It further stated that the Naga Hoho has the “authority to decide and direct all the Naga tribes in the right direction for and in the interest of the common welfare of the Nagas.”
“If a Naga tribe is found to be oppressed and suppressed by a major tribe/s, the matter must be addressed by Naga Hoho on the ground of equality and human rights,” the ZBN reiterated.
