Homeland for 'fragmented' Zeliangrong community: ZUF
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Tamenglong, February 25 2014 :
Chairman of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) Mr Kamson said today that the 'present Zeliangrong struggle' is not seeking for an isolation or secession from India but within the Constitution of India for a common homeland of 'fragmented' Zeliangrong community in different states.
"This was the dream of Haipou Jadonang and his Lieutenant sister Rani Gaidinliu," said the ZUF supremo in his message which was made available to Newmai News Network today by A Dangmei, the ZUF information secretary.
Kamson was addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 3rd ZUF Raising Day at the outfit's headquarter in Tamenglong district today.
The ZUF chairman said the outfit acknowledges the 'untiring and unending' supports being 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 the latter's divide and rule policy continues till today but it can no longer be tolerated.
"We do not wish to offend our beloved neighbours and relative tribes or communities but our natural mode of life in a common homeland should be realized.
The ZUF, following the footsteps of our pioneering leaders shall move forward relentlessly for the sake of all interests and glory," Kamson asserted.
He then said it is the Zeliangrong people's collective responsibility to protect and preserve the invaluable asset of Zeliangrong territory from the fast eroding of their natural resources.
"We therefore seek the co-operation of the people in our attempt to maintain the ecological balances by preserving and protecting the rich fauna and flora of the region from reckless falling of trees, hunting of rare spices of birds and animals.
It is our earnest desire to avoid the random burning of dry forests other than burning of jhum field, the use of chemical or electrical devices for electrocute of fish in the streams, brooks and rivers to prevent from mass destruction of aquatic creatures.
The Front also appeal not to sale lands or forests or immovable standing properties to non-Zeliangrong communities," Kamson appealed.
Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) was founded on February 25, 2011.Saluting the Zeliangrong community, Kamson said, "With exultant and joy I uphold the dignity of the Zeliangrong ancestors and fellows of the contemporary generation especially the 'Rehangs/Rikhangs' the strong youths in the fore front".
He added that the supreme sacrifice of Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu, the rest of the youths of Zeliangrong and Kin tribes, has made the revolution marches forward as is seen today.
"Zeliangrong and kin tribes have a proud history of freedom in the glorious past.
The myth and legends of man-god dormitory/chara-chameikhangchiu of Tingpurengsonang (god of earth), the feast of "Lord Amang", the patriarch of man dominant universe of all creatures, the "MahouTaobei" (flat stone door of Mahou Cave/Great Wall of China) and Makuilongdi, the Cradle of Zeliangrong habitation," Kamson stated.
He then recalled, "We were free people till the British intrusion in 1832 in Asalu, Laisong, Khonoma and elsewhere" .
According to the ZUF leader, the Naga freedom movement was born because of the British intrusion.
He also said the resistance against the colonial British imperialism and the Nagaraj movement under Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu in 1927-32 preceded all other Naga or tribal movements.
"Nagaraj movement/Ze-liangrong movement is con- sidered as one of the oldest Asian movements in modern era.
The Zeliangrong people participated in the Revolutionary Government of Mayer (RGM) in 1960s which start-ed a NEI movement forming Mongoloid buffer state status, he added.
"The Zeliangrong Regional Council under Z.C.of 1960s, Zeliangrong People's Convention (ZPC founded 11.10.1980) and the latest formation of the ZUF speak volumes about the consistent tryst with destiny, the struggle for the self ruled Zeliang- rong administration in a compact territorial limit.
It is the need to reinstate the fragmented geographical areas into the common homeland as in the ancient days," Kamson stated.
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