Dimapur, August 23 : Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, the apex body of Zeliangrong tribes has outrightly denounced the ultimatum served to the State government and the Naga Hoho for withdrawal of the recognition to Rongmei tribe as one of the Naga tribes of Nagaland.
The Baudi appealed to the State government and the Naga Hoho to remain resolute with their decisions so that people can have faith in their credibility and leadership in the years to come.
A statement issued by Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland President Rangsam N. Hau and General Secretary Meijiang Gonmei made a clarion call to all Nagas that the Rongmei tribe is very much a kindred brother of Zeme and Liangmai which was recognized on the consent and recommendation of all Zeliangrong civil societies, Naga Hoho and political leaders in Nagaland.
It said, the Naga Hoho, being the apex body of all Naga tribes has given its consent to the government knowing the historical background of Rongmei in Nagaland.
The Baudi however expressed surprise at the ultimatum of certain organisation that appeared in local dailies to Naga Hoho for withdrawal of the endorsement given to State government to recognize Rongmei in Nagaland.
Recounting the early years of Rongmei’s settlement in Nagaland, the Baudi said, “Rongmei is a kindred brother of Zeme and Liangmai, and are living together peacefully since before Nagaland statehood, (then Naga Hills district under Assam) having solid foundation and history. The Rongmeis in Dimapur were amongst others who rallied in support of merging Dimapur land with Naga Hills to make Nagaland state carved out from Assam in early 1960’s. They were the first to demonstrate Naga culture and dance during Statehood function and represented Nagaland cultural troupe to Delhi in early years. It is very unfortunate to see certain Naga brothers from Nagaland now showing ingratitude and opposing the recognition of Rongmeis as one of the Naga tribes living in Nagaland prior to India’s independence. We Zeliangrongs are inseparable from each other.”
On government’s initiative, the Baudi said, the historic decision to recognize Rongmei Naga tribe was finally taken after several years of examinations, surveys and legal opinions from experts and Naga organisations during the time of Neiphiu Rio’s government. “However, it is very unfortunate that some sections of people are hell bent opposing the decision during TR Zeliang’s government at the cost of destroying the children’s future of Rongmei tribe which is against human rights.”
The Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland appealed to opposing individuals to reconsider their decision and extend all supports to government’s democratic decision to grant Indigenous Naga Tribe status to Rongmei tribe of Nagaland who have settled prior to statehood.
“The Naga Hoho being the apex of all the Nagas, could and have the authority to decide and direct all the Naga tribes in the right direction for and in the interest of the common welfare of the Nagas. If a Naga tribe is found to be oppressed and suppressed by a major tribe/s, the matter must be addressed by Naga Hoho on the ground of equality and human rights.”
