Unity call rings out on Rani Gaidinliu's birth centenary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 18 2015 : Rani Gaidinliu birth centenary cum golden jubilee celebration of All Zeliangrong Students' Union - Assam, Manipur, Nagaland (AZSU-AMN) was held with a rich cultural presentation and interaction for the unity and prosperity of Zeliangrong people at Thanagong village under Khoupum sub-division in Tamenglong district from December 15 to 17 .

Over 1000 delegates comprising cultural troupes, AZSU former leaders, student leaders and village elders from Nagaland, Assam and different parts of Manipur attended the three-day celebration held under the theme, 'honouring our past, building our future' .

A two-minute silence was also observed at the opening function to mark respect to the founder leaders of AZSU.

The celebration was formally opened by hoisting AZSU flag by former president of the union, Diswang Hau at the main venue on December 15 evening.

A cultural dance underway at the birth centenary

Zeliangrong Baudi - Assam, Manipur, Nagaland president Raitu Chawang, former Minister and former AZSU president DP Panmei and Tamenglong Additional Magistrate Joseph Paulin Kamei graced the opening function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Raitu Chawang unveiled a monolith at the function.

Raitu Chawang said that Zeliangrong people need to work hard towards realizing freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu's dream of having a single administrative unit for the Zeliangrong people.

He also said that the celebration was not just an event to remember the contribution of Rani Gaidinliu and gathering of students and former executives of AZSU but to understand the aspirations of Zeliangrong people living in different parts of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

He also said that unity, co-operation and respect among one another in the Zeliangrong community is needed to fulfil Rani Gaidinliu's dream for a Zeliangrong homeland.

Joseph Paulin Kamei while speaking at the function said that the community which extends support and co-operation to the Government would achieve development as the Government is always there to help them.

Saying that the Government does not discriminate anybody, Joseph Paulin Kamei said that people of Zeliangrong community are also holding different high ranking posts in the State Government.

Speaking at the evening session, MNF president Chingsubam Wangambi Leima said that there is need to have better road connectivity and transport systems to bring people of different communities closer.

The closing function of the celebration was graced by Hill Area Committee Vice Chairman Z Kikhonbou Newmai as the chief guest, former Minister DP Panmei as the president and Tamenglong A/C MLA Janghemlung Panmei as the guest of honour.

In his speech, DP Panmei said that some people are trying break the unity of the Zeliangrong community.

As such, the youth must fight this challenge to uphold the unity of the community, he observed.

Reminding Rani Gaidinliu's thought of mopping up one's house first before pointing fingers to others, DP Panmei said that the young generation must be courageous, upright and obedient to fulfil the dreams of Rani Gaidinliu.

Other dignitaries also expressed their views on building up a secured future for the Zeliangrong community and contributions and ideologies of Rani Gaidinliu.

Different troupes from the three States presented their cultural items during the three-day event.

Makhui-longdi Khuan Choir of Nagaland and popular music director and composer Guru Jiangam Kamei were the main attractions of the cultural presentations.

Miss Golden Queen contest was held on the last day.

The next conference of AZSU will be held after two years in Assam.