DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 14: Breaking its silence on the ongoing imbroglio over recognition of Rongmei community as indigenous tribe of Nagaland, Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) today threw its weight behind the community stating it would not tolerate any element inimical to the larger interest of the Zelingrong community.
“If the trend of discrimination and deprivation of our basic rights of brotherhood by our other Naga brothers and the government continues, the Zeliangrong people will be left with no other option but to start the Zeliangrong People Convention (ZPC) movement afresh,” warned president of ZBN Rangsam N Hau.
Delivering the presidential speech at t0he Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland general conference on the theme ‘Building Together’ at Beisumpuikam village, Hau referred to the history of ZPC movement for Zeliangrong Homeland, one of the earliest political movements in the region, which was kept in abeyance keeping the larger interest of the Nagas. He vented out anger on some “elements” trying to sideline their legitimate rights especially in connection with derecognising the Rongmeis as an indigenous tribe of Nagaland by forgetting the genuine sacrifices of the Zeliangrong people.He maintained that Zeliangrong people cannot and will not accept this as a solution as it will mean putting the future of ‘our children and the generation thereafter at stake.’ Stating that Zeliangrong people are bonded by blood, not by consent or any established law or geographical alliance, he reaffirmed that ZBN will uphold the spirit of unity cultured by its earlier leaders in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam.
On the occasion, he also reminded the Zeliangrong people that they are bonded by blood through the creation of God Himself and that no mortal being can separate them. He, therefore, said unity for Zeliangrong people is not an option to choose – but a call.
He further called upon the Zeliangrong community near and far to take a leap further towards unity and solidarity for the cause of its people and to continue rendering unflinching and unwavering support to Zeliangrong Baudi. In conclusion, he said with unity and in unity Zeliangrong people will rise again and achieve greater heights.
Resource person and NPSC member, Idailung Thou, questioned the silence of Naga tribes when other minor communities were recognised as indigenous tribe and vice versa in relation to the Rongmei.
He said the nomenclature of Zeliangrong is not political or man-made in nature but a closely knitted one through common ancestry adding it is a gift of God.
Speaking on the topic ‘Structuring common political vision,’ Thou said the aim of political activity should be development adding shifting of responsibility will kill the cause.
Stating that sustaining economy and development should be the political vision, Thou said ‘Building together’ should be the political vision particularly for the Zeliangrong community.
He urged the Zeliangrong community to bury the political difference and to unite to march forward. He further urged the Zeliangrong community to rekindle the values of honesty and integrity of the forefathers in its endevour towards progress and development.
Minister of Election, National Highways and Mechanical Engineering Nuklutoshi Longkumer, who was the chief guest on the occasion, while stating that Zeliangrong community has a pivotal role, called upon the community to be messengers of peace and unity among other Naga tribes.
Vouching for a permanent Naga political solution, Longkumer urged for unity and peace among the Naga tribes lest the people may miss the opportunity for another hundred years. He said with the dawning of peace, there will be investment and with investment there will be employment for all.
Vice president of Naga Hoho HK Zhimomi also shared solidarity speech on the occasion.
