Celebrates 6th Raising Day
Dimapur, February 25 (MExN): The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) today reiterated its demand for “Common Homeland,” which according to the Front was divided by “the British Rulers and sadly continues in independent India.” ZUF was formed on February 25, 2011 with the sole objective of fulfilling the demand of our past leaders for a separate integrated homeland.
“Our present struggle is not seeking secession from India but we are demanding a ‘Common Homeland’ within the Union of India for the fragmented Zeliangrong Territory,” ZUF Chairman Kamson stated in his raising day speech released to the media here.
The assurance of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on December 29, 1983 for “Anything Short of Zeliangrong State/Homeland” and Buta Singh, the then Home minister assurance on August 16, 1986 ‘To Integrate the Zeliangrong Areas into a Single Territory” have not been fulfilled till today, he maintained.
“Our demand is not to offend our neighbours or other communities but it would usher in peace, justice, facilitate regional stability and bring about social equilibrium in the region," he added.
In this connection, he also appealed the Government of India to grant the “long standing demand of the Zeliangrong people for statehood at the earliest”
Extending his greetings and remembering all the ‘Rehangs/Rikhangs’ (warriors/cadres) of the Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZTF) and the Zeliangrong people, the Chairman also paid homage to all the departed patriots who sacrificed their lives.
Former patriots including Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu have “sacrificed their lives for the protection and preservation of our land, resources and indigenous culture, let us “re-dedicate ourselves to follow the footsteps of our pioneering leaders no matter how much it may cost us,” he added.
The ZUF Chairman also sought “fullest co-operation of our Zeliangrong people and kindred tribes in our attempt to protect our territory, the only land we can ever claim as our very own on this planet.”
“All the Zeliangrong people, civil societies, churches and institutions of indigenous faiths and other neighbouring communities to co-operate with the movement,” he appealed.
Seek the blessings of the Almighty for wisdom, strength and unity so that the Zeliangrong people can work together till the fulfillment of the long cherished dream our departed leaders, he added.
