ZB decries, another backs stand of LM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 29 2018:
Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur, has condemned the decision of the Tatar Hoho of NSCN/GPRN of March 23 to recognise three separate tribes after segregating Zeliangrong family into pieces.
A press release issued by the president of Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur today stated that such untimely and unwise decision taken by the NSCN(IM) with the aim of appeasing some individuals without consulting the Zeliangrong people nor the leaders who represent the Zeliangrong community is shocking and claimed that such divisive decision, at a time when the entire Naga people are waiting for a political solution, was never expected from NSCN(IM).
It mentioned that the said Tatar Hoho's decision which aim to break up the Zeliangrong family, should be reviewed at the earliest in the interest of the Zeliangrong people in particular and the larger interest of the Naga people.
Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur further informed that it would not accept the act of NSCN/GPRN adopting such a divisive policy and the Zeliangrong people neither gave approval nor authority at any point of time to NSCN (IM) to decide the affairs of the Zeliangrong family.
Urging NSCN/GPRN to respect the voice of the Zeliangrong people, it warned that any negative consequences which may arise due to the misunderstanding created by the decision of the Tatar Hoho of NSCN/GPRN shouldbe the responsibility of the NSCN (IM).
However, Rongmei Naga Council, Manipur has welcomed the decision of the Tatar Hoho of the NSCN/GPRN for including the tribes' name of Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme in the list of the Naga tribes.
A press release issued by the general secretary of Rongmei Naga Council Manipur stated that the decision is not only historic but also fulfils the long standing aspiration of the Rongmei people.
Showing support to the decision of the Tatar Hoho, it informed that leaders of Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) and the Liangmai Naga Council Manipur (LNCM) accompanied by leaders of Rongmei and Liangmai who were at New Delhi, met the collective leadership on November 25, 2016 which assured them of recognition at a time when the Tatar Hoho deems fit.
It claimed that Rongmei, an indigenous ST of Manipur recognised as Kabui by the Central and State Government, is listed in the ST list of 1950 under the Constitution of India.
It added that the existence of Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme as ST in Manipur and in the ST list of the Constitution cannot be argued.
RNCM further claimed that the act of condemning the decision by All Zeliangrong Arts and Cultural Organisation (AZACO) is blatant ignorance of the provisions of the Indian Constitution and is also a deliberate act of obstructing and working against the recognition of the Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme in the name of Zeliangrong.