NSCN (I-M)’s move to recognise Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei as separate tribes, who were earlier clubbed together as Zeliangrong, has apparently run into rough weather with a Zeliangrong public consultative meeting expressing its opposition to the move.
In this regard, Zeliangrong public consultative meeting held on April 3 at Zeliangrong Baudi Hall, Jalukie Peren district adopted five-point resolution, signed by Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) president, Athuan Abonmai; All Zeliangrong Students’ Union president, Nchahing Kompoing and Zeliangrong Youth Front president, Titus Kamei.
They stated that NSCN (I-M) Tatar Hoho’s “arbitrary decision” to trifurcate the three tribes without prior consent of the people was completely contradictory to “Zeliangrong Tribe” as recognised by the “Naga Nation in all platforms.”
The signatories said that Zeliangrong people were aggrieved by the “unilateral decision” of the Tatar Hoho. Therefore, they said the “declaration” was made in the common interest and aspiration of the people and to safeguard and protect the political future of the Zeliangrong people in particular and Nagas in general.
The declaration stated that history of Zeliangrong people, which was bound by indestructible bond of blood relationship, would uphold to sustain and to remain as one people, one vision and one voice. It declared that the collective political future of the Zeliangrong people should not be disturbed/sabotaged by any other forces from within and without.
Further, the Zeliangrong people demanded for the revocation of NSCN (I-M) Tatar Hoho “arbitrary decision” on or before April 30, 2018 in the interest of the Zeliangrong tribe and in the larger interest of Naga people in general.
The declaration sought for upholding Executive Order issued by late Isak Chishi Swu, the then Yaruiwo of NSCN/GPRN dated June 30, 2011, which stated that ‘Zeliangrong should remain Intake’.
It also stated that resolution of the Zeliangrong Co-ordinating Committee meeting adopted at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on April 1, 2018 was “regretted and denounced by the Zeliangrong people.”
Meanwhile, the consultative meeting resolved and reaffirmed to “fully support the ongoing Naga Peace Process and the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015.