Dimapur, Oct 26 (MExN): An irate Zeliangrong Baudi (Hoho) has pulled up the state government’s decision of dividing Peren District between Kohima and Dimapur district and has termed it as an outright insult to the Zeliangrong people. A representation addressed to Secretary of Home and Chairman of the Committee for Boundary between Kohima, Dimapur and Peren District, called the decision a “social discrimination.”
“The Government of Nagaland’s decision on dividing Peren District between Kohima and Dimapur district is an outright insult to the Zeliangrong people and the attempt to do so even against the consent of the landowners can be categorized as social discrimination” stated the representation attested by the Zeliangrong Baudi, chairmen and GBs of Jalukie village, Gaili, Punglwa, Lamhai and Poilwa village.
The representation stated that although the status of Peren and Tenning Sub-division has been upgraded to a district, there has not been much development except “for the paper work and transfers” and on this, the Baudi has asked the government “to recognize and respect the traditional boundaries of all Zeliangrong people and not be influenced or intimated by any party, organizations, or tribe, while making their decision.” The traditional boundaries which have been encroached but have no historical facts or rights are clearly portrayed in the maps hereby enclosed, the Baudi stated.
The Baudi also took strong exception of a memorandum issued by the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho and the Aqahuto Area Public Union on February 6, 2006 and November 3, 2000 to the Chief Minster and the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur. “(The memorandums) are unfortunately a weak attempt to twist historical facts, for even in the map published in the year 1953, not one Sumi village existed, therefore their claim is nothing short of a sick joke and their motive is well understood by all. If the Sumi’s want to continue to exist in the area they have encroached upon, they have to obtain an MOU from the rightful landowners, otherwise they will be considered as illegal encroachers” the Baudi cautioned.
