Rongmei recognition fiasco continues
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, July 05 2013 : Mudslinging continues in Nagaland among social organisations over the issue of recognition of Rongmei tribe as one of the tribes of Nagaland by the Neiphiu Rio government.

Certain organisations have geared up to press the state government to review its decision of granting of indigenous tribe status to the Rongmei community in Nagaland.

On Friday, the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) has taken serious note on the conflicting reports and war of words over the Rongmei recognition in Nagaland State.

"Rights are not dictated by the numerical strength of a community or at the mercy of any public organization.

We should not forget that Naga Rights are fought and won and it is not to be torn apart for individual mileages," ZB-AMN said in a statement issued by its president Raitu Chawang and its general secretary K Elu Ndang.

Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) will soon be calling a general assembly of the community from the three states and the entire matter will be discussed and settled, including the renaming of the three tribes Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei as Zeliangrong.

"Meanwhile, Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland should show restraint in the matter and should stop from reacting in unwanted propositions.

There shall be no more press communiqu� from any quarters on this matter including public bodies, political leaders and student communities, till the General Assembly resolves the matter," the statement of Raitu and Elu advised.

"Rongmei recognition as it has been already done, now it is a subject of the state government.

As stated earlier, by the then Chief Secretary, a committee "verified and authenticated" pre 1963 status of the Rongmei before being "certified," by the Home department, leaves no room for any ambiguity in the matter.

The recognition of the Rongmeis was done in the larger interest of the Zeliangrongs," they stated.

All public organisations, including those of other tribes should refrain from making open statements on the internal matters of Zeliangrongs by projecting their concerns.

If anyone has grievances, ZB (AMN) remains committed to resolve it.

Wisdom of Zeliangrong Public will prevail, as it had been in the past, in resolving such indifferences.

Everyone should always keep in mind that Zeliangrongs live in a contiguous area, as one people, one vision and one voice, Raitu and Elu affirmed.

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