Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) has appreciated and acknowledged the concern expressed by Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) with regard to Rongmei recognition issue and said the stand of CNTC to protect and safeguard the interest of Nagas of Nagaland was “legitimate and appropriate.”
In a press release, Nagaland GB Federation president Shahlem Konyak and general secretary Shikuto Zalipu said, “Every state citizen has the rights to determine their future and the authority also must respect the sentiment of the people.
Though it is unfortunate that the Nagas are divided geographically and we are made to settle separately beyond Nagaland, but till our aspirations are fulfilled, we must determine our own state’s affair.”
Meanwhile, the NGBF has also appreciated the CNTC consideration to “entitle Indigenous Inhabitants Rights” to those Rongmeis who settled prior to 1963.
The federation stated that some Rongmeis have migrated to the present home in Nagaland many decades ago.
“Their forefathers, who had participated in the First World War, settled permanently in Nagaland and no longer have any tie with their ancestral lands whatsoever,” said NGBF, adding that they have taken the present home in Nagaland as their permanent home.
However, NGBF said “unfortunately” due to the present status, they have been denied various basic provisions and children were denied educational privileges for lack of ST and indigenous certificates.
Pointing out that the Rongmei who were settled prior to 1963 had been enjoying the status of Indigenous of Nagaland, the NGBF has therefore urged the responsible authority and the Naga people to let the genuine Rongmei Indigenous people comprising of 1313 total population to continue as they were given the status in Nagaland.