Zeliangrong Citizens Forum (ZCF) to conduct expedition
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, September 30 2012: Zeliangrong leaders, professionals, intellectuals, student leaders and activists under the aegis of Zeliangrong Citizens Forum (ZCF) will have expedition in Zeliangrong inhabited areas of the North East region from October 6 and conclude on October 22 .

According to co-ordinator of Manipur zone ZCF Majabung Gangmei and convenor of ZCF Rangro Herie, the touring programme under the theme, 'Zeliangrong Ancestral Land Expedition 2012 ' is being initiated to promote general awareness about the rich cultural heritages of the community, and also about Zeliangrong land and resources.

The expedition is also to re-affirm the 'indivisible bond of fraternal blood relationship' which will cover all the historical and places of cultural importance to the Zeliangrong people in the entire Zeliangrong inhabited areas of north east region, said Rangro and Majabung today.

"The theme of the expedition: 'Grand Home Coming to Makuilongdi' depicts the perpetual kindred spirit and the common origin of Zeliangrong people based in the ancestral village called, Makuilongdi which now lies in Senapati district of Manipur," they added.

According to ZCF leaders, the expedition will kick off from October 6 from Nagaland's Peren district headquarters.

It will be flagged off by T.R.Zeliang, Nagaland minister of Planning & Coordination, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Evaluation.

"Zeliangrongs from different walks of life consisting of elders, intellectuals, professionals, research scholars, youth and students will touch upon different spots such as Poilwa, Benreu, Buisumpuikam Phizo and Rani Gaidinliu Caves in Nagaland, Haflong, Lodiram, Asalu, Laisong, Hangrum, Binakandi, Pubon Hill in Assam and Luangkao, Puiluan, Luangmai, Zeilat, Barak Waterfalls, Tamenglong, Tharon Cave, Npiulong (Buning), Tamei, Chawangkening, Imphal, Ze (Yangkhullen) and Makuilongdi in Manipur as the last venue of the expedition.

Many Resource Persons will be delivering lectures on all these select locations on various issues concerning the Zeliangrong people," Majabung and Rangro said.

"The last leg of the expedition at the Zeliangrong ancestral home, 'Makuilongdi' shall see the erection and unveiling of a monolith, 'Nguiba Tusum' to honour and acknowledge the identity of the Zeliangrong Partriach and common ancestor which will be followed by Banyan Tree plantation.

This 17-day expedition ending at Makuilongdi will be a symbolic 'Grand Home Coming' of the sons and daughters of Makuilongdi who had long dispersed from this historic village to re-affirm their common origin and to re-assert their rightful place in the comity of nations," the ZCF leaders further stated.

The Zeliangrong Citizens Forum appeals to all concerned not to call any bandh or strike during this period and further appeals for peace and security in the region.

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