Rengma and Zeliangrong Council Assam (RZCA) has expressed strong resentment over the statement purportedly made by minister, Temjen Imna Along that Naga settlement would be under constitution of India and Indian Union, saying the statement was contradictory to the aspiration of the Naga people as a whole.
In a press release, RZCA convenor, Pauheu Newme and general secretary, G Thongan said with the uniqueness of Naga history and the hope for its nationhood, Nagas have been struggling for many years but the Naga issue and its rights have not been resolved till date. The council stated that the Naga people are victims of the insidious policy to divide the Nagas and crush their long cherished dreams built over the years.
In this trying time, RZCA termed the statement of BJP Nagaland unit president, Temjen Imna Along, without understanding the sentiments and aspirations of the Naga people, as unfortunate.
The council advised Iman to deeply understand the Naga political movement and its seriousness adding that as responsible leader it was immature of him to make such statement.
While Naga political issue, the oldest political agenda in the northeast, was in “stalemate”, RZCA said the Central government along with government of Assam giving a green signal for Kabri Anglong autonomous territorial council curving the Rengma Naga Hills in Assam was a total distortion and threat to the historical rights and accounts of the Rengma Nagas of Assam.
Stating that any political solution which includes land and its people should be based on the history of the land, the council said Naga people would not remain silent if any negotiation was affecting the land of Rengma Naga Hills in Assam adding that government of Assam should clearly understand the historical relationship and close association shared between the Rengma Naga and the Ahom since time immemorial.
RZCA then said that Central and Assam government should recognise the legitimate rights of the Rengma people and fulfil their political demand. It strongly stated that the land of Rengma people of Assam, which is not under Karbi Anglong district, should not be affected by any political negotiation for other communities.