Meet resolves to note Rongmei tribe as a separate entity
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, March 02 2020: The Zeilad National Workers' Conference held at Tamenglong on February under the aegis of the NSCN (IM), Zeliad Region and one key decision adopted at the conference was that 'due recognition be given to the Rongmei tribe as a separate entity and the need for all Rongmei people along with frontal organisations of the tribe extend fullest support to each other in rebuilding the Rongmei tribe' .

The second point said that the "Rongmei people shall ever strive to uphold their roots-traditional geographical territory, cultures, customs and traditions" .

The third point adopted during the conference said that the Rongmei people will, at all cost, protect the natural resources and endeavor to use it to amplify its value and preserve it for future.

The conference was held at at Phungong Catholic Ground in Tamenglong under the theme 'Towards a New Era'", said George Golmei, Central Administrative Officer (CAO) of Zeilad Region of the NSCN-IM.

Besides the Naga political issue, the conference deliberated on wide ranging socio-economic issues facing the "Rongmeis today", the statement said.

Eminent personalities participated in the conference touching on various topics.

Dimgonlung Rongmei, secretary, Development and Relief Department, Rongmei Naga Baptist Association (RNBA), presented a paper entitled "Social Innovation and Sustainable Model for Economic Development." Another paper entitled "Rebuilding the Rongmei Tribe" was presented by G Gaingam, former vice-president of Naga Hoho, the statement added.

According to the statement, members attending the conference focused their discussion on some of the main issues like encouragement to add value to local products, cultural development for all round development, promotion of Rongmei literature, need for research on replacement of jhum cultivation, need for conservation of indigenous natural resources, priority to be given to Naga political solution and support to Rongmei Naga People's Organization (RNPO) .

The recommendations recommended that standardization of Rongmei land holding system be undertaken without causing undue disturbance to the existing local equilibrium.

The conference resolved to extend fullest support to the Naga political peace process based on August 3, 2015, Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India (GoI) and NSCN-IM, and to continue to pressure the parties for an honorable and conclusive solution at the earliest.

Traditional dance was presented by Phungong Youth Club.

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