Jimmy Pamei
Dimapur
Rongmeis in Nagaland are not only the backward but also the most neglected tribe in the state. These Rongmeis have found their enemies and they are amongst themselves (Pogo). They are bogged down by the infightings. The most widespread tribe among the Nagas, residing in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and even Mizoram have been staying in the state of ‘NAGA’ (Nagaland) for a long time as ‘foreign’ tribe!
Alienated for so long. Nagaland had produced great leaders like AZ Phizo, Khodao Yanthan and Kakhalu Sukhai et al. So too national figures like Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu hailed from the Rongmei tribe. Contrast to the legacies and ideologies of their leaders to live as ‘free and democratic Nagas’ the Rongmei Naga somehow impelled themselves to live as ‘alien’ in ‘Nagaland’ where even the non-Nagas were recognised! And how was that? It was not the Govt. of Nagaland that decide the ‘inclusion or non-inclusion’ of Rongmei since its statehood in 1963. Their incompetency and neglect whisked them away from the Nagaland Gazette as one of the indigenous tribe. Later efforts were taken to recognise them, but leadership and factions among them were so ‘supandic’ that they missed the bus for another aeon.
The so called pioneer settlers have fears and qualm that they will be eclipsed, given that the so called ‘recent immigrants’ are educated and hence are more influential. It is panicked that quotas, facilities and seats in the government will be enjoyed by the new comers. It is a situation where ‘the fit must stay away until I am fit enough’. The most recent example of such infighting is seen in the publication of a Souvenir of recent Gaan Ngai held at Dimapur (7/1/2013) where the Committee failed to mention the Rongmeis of Peren District and consequently discontented voices were raised about it. It was read in the media that the Govt. of Nagaland was conveyed a ‘thank you’ for the recognition of the tribe. If it was done in the 60s there would have been nobody to be grateful in this tainted way. When the government threw in a cake, the Rongmeis were fighting for a bone.
In the light of the above facts it is also recommended that the new comers too need to give attention to the apprehension of their brothers. They must not be blamed outright, but rather be understood.
Seen from the right angle every person and community has a beautiful corner of their mind. If we nurture that beautiful corner, then altar of reconciliation can be built.
Understanding is a miraculous medicine, if not a placebo. Solution through understanding will be speedier when reciprocated by all factions. The effort will bear superior result if all Rongmeis work in tandem with the other Naga tribes of the country/state. And how is that possible? Here are some list of suggestions and criticisms:
1. Secularly speaking it is EDUCATION which is most important for the Rongmeis (and for every tribe of course). This is the touchstone of life, the essential ingredient for modern days living. The Rongmei needs to produce more educated guys and professionals and serve the people of Nagaland. When we serve other we serve ourselves. ‘Education’ is not the final option but the only solution. Rongmeis must stop looking through the ‘worm-eyes’ but begin to view from the eyes of the eagle.
2. Old habit dies hard. So too old occupation and outlook. Wine brewing and consumption were the ways of living for much section of the Rongmeis for decades. This practice must be axed now, to the root. It is so aghast to watch many Rongmeis, mostly tattered women brewing wine in their whiffed slum-like huts while their men-folks bellows gibberish chatter from their Katha-pan-filled red lips. They are usually drunken whole day, sustaining only from their wife’s earning. In such environment it cannot be expected of the children to get opportunity for a decent study? This is a common sight not only in Nagaland but at Assam and Manipur too. Alternative occupation needs to be found and men-folk needs to bring a decent income for the family. When lifestyle improves and when there is peace no one would waste his time to question who the first settler is and who is not?
3. Whether in Assam, Manipur or Nagaland the Rongmeis are lucky to have found their place of living at many strategic business points. Dhobinala, Burma Camp in Dimapur, Kakhulong, Keishamthong in Imphal and Gopalganj in Silchar etc. are all at the heart of the city. If the Rongmeis are not getting any benefits from living at all these strategic places then something is not right. Give a second thought. Where have the Rongmeis gone wrong? What are the available solutions now?
The old leadership qualities juxtaposed with that tender love found among this Rongmei needs to be rekindled today. If a chick of eagle is reared and nurtured by a chicken it will eat, chirp and walk as the chicken does. However it is now time for the Rongmei to rise above the Chicken standard sheds all the scales of petty factionalism and soar high like the Eagles like their forefathers to serve the cause of the nation once more. If forefathers can do magnificent thing many must have already been living with those same genes today. It only needs to be identified today. When the issue of all tribes, including the Rongmei are settled the whole Naga issue can be said to have been finally settled.
