DIMAPUR, AUGUST 14 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland has termed it as “quite unbecoming of the Zeliang People Organisation (ZPO) to issue press statement (July 12) threatening to boycott the Independence Day celebration at Peren while seeking review of the state government’s decision on recognition of Rongmei as indigenous tribe of Nagaland state”.
“Perhaps, the intention of ZPO is discriminatory and suppressive in nature and is only an attempt to create disharmony amongst the peaceful Zeliangrong brothers and is trying to confuse the government machineries”, stated a press note issued by the ZB (N) President Akhang and Vice President Raitu Elu.
Pointing out that the issue of Rongmei indigenous in Nagaland is based on their existence prior to 1963 and their recognition as one of the Naga tribe of Nagaland state, the press note clarified that the case of the Rongmeis was “duly recommended by Zeme Council, Liangmai Council, Rongmei Council, Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Zeliang People Organisation in Dimapur and the Naga Hoho”.
“The Committee constituted by a cabinet decision under the chairmanship of Home Commissioner has thoroughly enumerated the electoral roll of the Rongmeis in Dimapur and Kohima districts and cross checked by respective districts administrations and had list out the population as per family tree from 1963. As such, the population based on authenticated record migrated to any part of the state including Peren district cannot be questioned by any individual or group of people”.
Therefore, the ZB (N) felt that the stand taken by ZPO not to allow indigenous rights to Rongmei population and their recognition as one of the Naga tribe of Nagaland is baseless and ill motivated.
The Zeme Council Nagaland also expressed deep appreciation and welcomed the “magnanimous decision of the Nagaland government in recognizing Rongmei as the 17th tribe of Nagaland state which is their long due legitimate rights”.
“We also appreciate the sagacious decision of Land Owner Villages viz. Jalukie and Lamhai Dungki for protecting the rights of Rongmeis who has settled in their land at their invitation as per Zeliangrong traditional and customary practices and trying to remove unjust perception so as to bring harmony amongst the Zeliangrong brothers”, the press note added.
The ZB(N) has appealed to ZPO to revoke their stand and cooperate with the state government and Zeliangrong people so as to avoid any future complication amongst the Zeliangrong people in particular and the Nagas in general.
