Gwangphun Gangmei
Social worker
Social justice is for peace, progress and prosperity of the people and state as a whole. The present Govt of Nagaland is vividly seen to have committed to social justice, development and advancement. The prevailing situation in Peren District arising at the event of recognition of Rongmei tribe after long years of left-out and deprived of its citizen in the state of Nagaland. The left-out reason was not of non-existence of Rongmei in the state but being misinformed and deceived to have been registered as Zeliangrong by members of Zeliangrong team at the call and time of registration of all the tribes of Nagaland when the state was just formed. Due to certain undue and inadvertent technical failure, the Rongmei could not insert/include the name and delayed it for the past 49 years till recently. It was a matter of deprivation, discrimination and denial to the community of her rights, privileges as common and equal citizens of the state and territory of India. It is a direct violation of the laws, human rights and constitution of India to deny and ignore her citizens; the minored community and the disadvantaged. Undoubtedly, the Rongmeis took part/ contributed in every responsible social activities of the state and the creation and formation of the present state of Nagaland. History speaks.
The Govt of Nagaland after long silent and delay have heard the cry, pain and sufferings of the left-out Rongmei and duly included in the Naga family of Nagaland as the 17th Naga tribe of Nagaland. This is justice delivered. This is a big memorable history for the community. Many, thanks to all the Naga tribes who have shown their compassion and concern for the community in her deprived condition and congratulations given through mobile text and verbal communications at the spell of official recognition of the tribe.
While looking at the prevailing air of constant resentment being projected by some few Zeliang people in the Name of ZLPO or what not, I am concerned to appeal to those involved to refrain from such narrow and hallow reflection which destroys the good image and name of the people and district. We are to tell the world of our oneness, love and concern rather than denying and depriving each others at the expense of losing our dear good name, quality and prestige of our people.
I would like to reason and share with you, certain legal reality why every citizen should be treated without any sort of discrimination so as we may march together with the rest of the world as a global family members and participants in creating global peace, progress and prosperity.
The Nagaland and its state being the territory of India as of now, the constitution of India bind all citizens, and we are bound by it. As civic citizens, we are responsible to practice and promote justice in all affairs of public interest. The fundamental rights in the constitution of India art 14, states that the state should not deny to any person before the law or the equal protection of the law within the territory of India. Art. 15, guarantee that the state cannot discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion,...or place of birth. Art. 16, every citizen must be accorded equality of opportunity in matters of public employment,... the state is authorised to enact special laws to safeguard the rights and interest of the weak, the disadvantage, the minorities etc. Art. 16 (2) No citizen, on ground of ...descent, place of birth, residence or any of them be ineligible for or discriminated against in respect of any employment or office under the state. The UN declaration of Human rights states that, everyone has right to recognition as a person before the law. Art 7. Guarantee equality and entitled to equal protection of the law, against any discrimination. Art. 21.(b) Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his/her country/state. Objecting to these laws is amounting to dissidents and law breakers. The state should see to it that if such any dissidents hamper the peace and progress of the people, be checked, penalized and stopped it.
Contextually speaking, the current tone of resentment in Peren District is very unfortunate and unexpected. The presence of Rongmei in the District cannot be questioned, denied or rejected on any ground either by customary, or laws of India or Universal laws. The Rongmeis are law abiding citizens like any Naga tribes and people of the world. The Rongmei did not conquer, invade or enslaved any land or people in any place in Nagaland. At the invitation of the Zeliangrong tribal Council, the Zeliangrong from elsewhere including Kohima and Dimapur to come and clear the thick and fierce jungle valley of kabeikamning Jalukie and settle there as one people with the land owners. At that time Peren district was under Kohima jurisdiction. The land (Jalukie) that Rongmei presently occupy was given to them to settle and cultivate for their survival and sustenance. During the years of jungle clearing and undergoing untold suffering, many precious lives have been buried thereon with all their fond dreams of better life and land to live left unrealized. The land owners, Jalukie and Lamhai dungki have welcomed our approach with customary act of settlement and thereby allowed the Rongmeis to settle in the apportioned and allocated land as sons of the soils. They are to eat, drinks, do or say of what the land owners does which spell the oneness and unity spirit of Zeliangrong people. Therefore the Rongmeis are very much citizens and indigenous of the land with the people of Peren District. The Art 5 of the constitution of India guarantees that a person born or whose parents was born in the territory of India or resident in the territory for not less than five years are citizens of India. Moreover, the land owners recognised the Rongmeis as indigenous and local, supported by the Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei Councils with the knowledge of the Apex body Zeliangrong Baudi (N). Accordingly and paying our allegiance to the people and the Govt. the Rongmeis have been participating in all affairs of the land, paying taxes, contributing to the cause of developing Peren District in all respects. Particularly mentioning, the Rongmeis in no less term, took active role in qualifying for creation of Peren district, a full fledged revenue district of Nagaland state. Underestimating the truth and fact will amount to inviting God’s wrath upon the people. The presence of Rongmeis in Peren district is recognised far and wide. Any attempt to deny the history is but to deny all civic sense and human responsibility and a challenge to the tribe.
The value and price we made and save the land we love so dear cannot be denied or forgotten. Many disappointments, and shattered dreams have we faced. Sweat, blood and tears and many defenders’ lives have been sacrificed at the cost of saving the land. The spirit and aspiration of those who have gone before us continue to inspire the living Rongmeis. Their words of determination and longing desires keeps ringing in the ears of their grand children, They said, “when you get freedom at home here, remember us, that for your tomorrow, we will lay down our lives here on this table land”. When we are reminded of their dear lives, gone with their dream shattered many times, tears of pain silently roll down unaware from our eyes, for their labor and sacrifices have been suppressed, denied and rejected by our own Zeliang brethren. Nevertheless, we shall hope on, that someday very soon, the light of truth and love will shine upon Zeliangrong people and the ray of comfort, love and understanding will be felt among us. Let these cloudy storms of opposition pass over. The power of forgiveness, forbearance, love and understanding must reign supreme in our hearts. My dear fellow Zeliangrong people, Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning. Let us hold on our tolerance over this ugly picture and strive on to turn it into a blessing of progress and prosperity as a people. It is indeed God’s design and purpose to refine and shape us into something greater and higher. It is a turning point for Zeliangrong Unity and solidarity amidst oppositions and confrontations. Now Zeliangrong is inclusively recognised in the state as Zeliang and Rongmei for the purpose of economic development as per the constitution of India based on equality, fraternity and to ensure justice to every citizen in the state.
The author personally holds the responsibility for the content of this publication. The intention being to express the truth and grievances of the Rongmei people particularly for those living in Peren district. Any reflection, comment or query on the article may be contacted personally through the given No.9612848686.
