ZUF raises Statehood demand on Raising Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2015 : On its 4th Raising Day held on February 25, 2015, Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) had reaffirmed to rededicate themselves towards fulfilling the dream of Zeliangrong people.

In a statement, ZUF information and publicity secretary L Longmei conveyed that the front seeks creation of a Zeliangrong State within the Union of India.

Haipou Jadonang stood up against the exploitative regime of the British colonial power with an aim to establish 'Makaam Gwangdi' or Zeliangrong kingdom, he added.

Despite series of suppressive measures taken up to crush the Zeliangrong uprising, Zeliangrong people managed to reorganise themselves and formed its armed wing.

As a result, the British rulers tried to marginalize the Zeliangrong people by placing them under different administrative units, L Longmei said.

After India got independence, Zeliangrong people were further divided into three different States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, and even into different districts which further marginalized them economically, politically and socially, he added.

Considering the various predicaments and hurdles faced by Zeliangrong people, the Zeliangrong People's Convention (ZPC) was formed in 1980s under the leadership of Rani Gaidinliu and launched people's movement for Zeliangrong homeland.

L Longmei further said that ZPC consequently submitted various memoranda to the successive Governments starting from the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and PV Narashimha Rao.

Positive assurances were given to the ZPC leaders from time to time, L Longmei said.

However, the demand for Statehood has not been granted so far, he added.

Therefore, ZUF was formed on February 25, 2011 to continue the struggle for Zeliangrong State/homeland which was left unfulfilled by past leaders.

Consequently, the front submitted a memorandum to the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, demanding Statehood for the Zeliangrong people and kin tribes on April 18, 2013, L Longmei said.

Similarly, the front also submitted another memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Government of India on February 25, 2015 .

Therefore, the front appealed to the Government of India to grant the genuine demand of the Zeliangrong people at the earliest.

ZUF also sought fullest cooperation from various neighbouring ethnic groups of North East India towards fulfilment of the long pending demand of Zeliangrong people for statehood.

The front appealed to all the Zeliangrong people, civil society, social organizations, Churches and institutions of indigenous faith and individuals to cooperate with the movement.

In pursuit of this movement, every Zeliangrong individual is duty-bound and they must extend full cooperation and solidarity towards this noble cause, L Longmei said.

If any Zeliangrong person emerges as an obstacle to the aspiration of the Zeliangrong people's Statehood demand, he/she shall be deemed as anti-Zeliangrong and the consequences thereof shall be of their own, L Longmei further said.

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