In a twist to the Rongmei issue, Zeliang People’s Organisation Nagaland (ZPO) general secretary Kerang Dumtta has clarified the stand of the organisation, to enlighten Nagas against what he described as “the so-called media cell of ZPO supporting the tribes which are against the recognition of Rongmei as a Naga tribe.” Dumtta said the above was “bizarre, considering the fact that, the ZPO had, on September 10,2010 written to the government of Nagaland, declaring that it had no objection to the recognition of the Rongmei community as a Naga tribe in Nagaland.”
However, according to Dumtta, the ZPO, then headed by “our respected late leader Azu Newmai” could not function as expected by the people and thus became moribund after some years, except for the occasional press releases.
He also cited the incident at Peren Town Hall on August 5, 2010 when the meeting could not be held on account of unruly scenes when public expressed displeasure “in a violent manner”. Then on December 13, 2012 he said Zeme Council “apex tribal body of Zeme Nagas” decided to form a ZPO in consultation with Liangmai Nagas and on May 10, 2013 the latter also resolved to do likewise. Therefore, a joint meeting of the two councils- Zeme and Liangmai- was organised on June 7, 2013 where it was decided to form an organisation and formally resolved to constitute an electoral college comprising of both recognised and unrecognised Zeliang Naga Village Council Chairmen under Peren district including presidents of Zeme and Liangmai councils. D. Abraham was made convenor of the electoral college. Akuna as secretary and Pingkam and Wipibo as members stated Dumtta.
He said that representatives of defunct ZPO- Azu Newmai, Kingim Kulimbe and Intintiebe- were then included as members of the election commission for the purpose of conducting election of office bearers for the proposed public organisation. Election of new ZPO office bearers was conducted at the general meeting in Jalukie on June 21, 2013 attended by 72 village council chairmen in Peren district where Kiezin was elected as president and Kerang Dumtta as general secretary along with other office bearers. Dumtta said ZPO has thereafter been functioning smoothly till date.
He further said as office bearers of ZPO (formed by the Zeliang people) they urged upon people not to be misled by press releases issued without any genuine name by those hiding behind the nomenclature of ‘Media Cell.’ Dumtta further requested newspapers not to entertain such press releases in future, issued without proper designation and identity.
He concluded that their organisation, formed with mandate of public of Peren is called Zeliang People’s Organisation and there was no dispute among the Zeme and Liangmai councils of Nagaland and therefore, statements of self-styled organisation that exist without public mandate should not confuse the Nagas, Dumtta added.