Statehood demand raised on ZUF day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 25 2018:
The chairman of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) Jenchui has said that the present Zeliangrong struggle is not soliciting for isolation or secession from India but for a common homeland of fragmented Zeliangrong community in different States, within the Constitution of India.
"This was the dream of Haipou Jadonang and his Lieutenant Hapei Rani Gaidinliu," said the ZUF chairman in his message according to a press release issued by MK Kamei, information and publicity secretary of ZUF, today.
Jenchui Kamei was addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 7th ZUF Raising Day at the outfit's Council Headquarters, Zeliangrong United Front.
The ZUF chairman said that the outfit acknowledges the unyielding and interminable support rendered by the people of Zeliangrong community across the country.
He said the Zeliangrong population of 4.5 lakhs and their area of 12,000 sq km fragmented under the British rule through its divide and rule policy continues till today but it can no longer be tolerated.
He said it is the Zeliangrong people's collective responsibility to protect and preserve the invaluable asset of Zeliangrong territory and natural resources.
It is the ZUF's earnest desire to avoid the random burning of dry forests, burning of jhum field and the use of chemical or electrical devices for fishing in the streams, brooks and rivers so as to prevent mass destruction of aquatic creatures.
He also appealed the people not to sell the lands, forests or immovable standing properties to non-Zeliangrong communities.
Mentioning that Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) was founded on February 25, 2011 and saluting the Zeliangrong community, Jenchui Kamei upheld the dignity of the Zeliangrong ancestors and fellows of the contemporary generation especially the Rehangs/Rikhangs-the strong youth in the fore front.
The chairman added that the supreme sacrifice of Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu and the ZUF martyrs/personnel who selflessly sacrificed for the cause of Zeliangrong people shall remain glorified forever.