Members consisting of concerned leaders of Rongmei Council Nagaland, National and social workers of the Community had a mutual reasoning and consultation in matter of the prevailing situation arising out of the recent counteraction posed by certain Zeliang People Organisation against the decision and Govt. Notification Order issued relating to Rongmei recognition and the contending issues on indigenous implications.
Observed that the Rongmeis are asserting their genuine rights and interest as a Naga indigenous Inhabitants/tribe of Nagaland based on the given criteria of the Govt of Nagaland and on the inherent rights enshrined in the universal declaration of human rights and the draft declaration on the rights of the Indigenous people.
While the Rongmei tribe being officially recognised, as one of the indigenous tribes of Nagaland, the Rongmei community were posed by certain members of Zeliang community in the name of ZPO continue to challenge the decision of the Govt of Nagaland, by complaining with threats giving ultimatum, boycotting and media influences against the Rongmeis particularly of the citizens of Peren District. The members present felt hurt, aggrieved and provoked with such unexpected confrontations from certain unscrupulous members of the Zeliang brethren community. Nevertheless, the Rongmei leaders, today expressed to exercise further patient and tolerance over the prevailing vulnerable provocative situation with a sense of high understanding, and restraining effort to control and manage the situation with utmost care all in the Interest of the Zeliangrong and the Nagas in general. While seriously considering, on the present undesirable, element of spoiling the good and honourable name of Zeliang tribe, members expressed to safeguard the goodwill and name of Zeliang people and tribe from wrongly implicated by such vested people.
Observed that, the Rongmeis as a people without any political motivation and ideological persuasion expressed their deep sense of appreciation to Honorable Chief Minister Shri. Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues, and particularly honourable Minister Shri. T.R. Zeliang for their conscientious and insightful effort rendered in the genuine cause of asserting the Rongmei as a tribe in the state of Nagaland. Due honour and high appreciation is also expressed and acknowledged to Shri Charenamai former MP for his wise and needful influence and support in the process.
Observed, that the matter of rejecting the existence of Rongmeis in Peren district with respect to Recognition of the same as reflected in one of the local papers is viewed as illogical and ill-intention shown toward the Rongmei brethren of Zeliangrong. Aggrieved to know of such apathy attitude reflected to the Rongmei of Zeliangrong in the district. Members at this consultation strongly viewed that befitting response against such injustice and adverse confrontation should be exercised in due course of time.
Observed that, the counter force confronting the Rongmei people in such a time is viewed as party political oriented, aimed at derailing and tempering the minds of the people with electioneering policy taking the name of the Rongmei tribe for a political gimmick. Members viewed such attitude as dishonouring the tribe and therefore disowned and out rightly denounced.
Observed that, the prevailing air/element of Recognising Zeliangrong as a tribe in the state replacing Zeliang and Rongmei is viewed as an attempt to distort the recent recognition of the Rongmei tribe. Therefore, the members present at this consultation denounced such a futile attempt and expressed such as illogical and unacceptable. Reasoned that, Recognising the Zeliang and Rongmei now in the state is as good as recognising the Zeliangrong people by the Govt of Nagaland.
Viewed that, the Rongmei community shall exercise an accommodative policy in asserting rights, privileges, to its citizens without classifying each other on the basis of, person of any class or position, birth place, location, given Govt criteria and subsequent registration of members in the enumeration record for the sake of recognition of the Rongmei tribe following the Govt direction given therewith.
The members present and the President of the Rongmei council Nagaland endorsed the meeting and its discussion as official and binding.
Sd/-
James Akham
President
Rongmei Council Nagaland
