Gwangphun Gangmei
“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity… For there the Lord commanded the blessing even life forevermore” – Psalm 133:1,3.
Many centuries ago in Makuilongdi, a time when young and bold, the three brothers would work, eat, play and stay together. We could still catch a gleam of the picture of unity, glory, power and pride the Zeliangrong brethren once enjoyed. Oral history and folktales authenticate that Zeliangrong people spoke one language until long dispersion to far off places. In the course of natural phenomenal change effected by the sands of time, the language of the Zeliangrong people underwent a process of change in tones and voices prompted by change of habitation and confrontation with the outside culture and people. Nevertheless the culture, tradition, folklores, customs, rituals and practices of the Zeliangrong remain unchanged. The fact proves that we were one, we can be one again and we must be one for reasons that supercedes any ideological, philosophical justification. We can live with pride, power and glory once again like that of the era of Makuilongdi. The three brothers were blessed with abundant life, prosperity which in turn have resulted in enormous growth of population. The rapid growth of population has necessitated the people to disperse to far off places blessed by the chief/priest to occupy the land as far as they can go. The dispersion was not separation but of development and extension of the kingdom of Zeliangrong people. The length and breadth of land presently occupied by Zeliangrong people is their right and their claim of it is authenticated by their habitation and existence. Therefore the exodus of Zeliangrong from Makuilongdi was God’s plan and direction.
The Zeliangrong people also underwent a time of crises, misunderstanding and even hatred which have resulted in deep wounds and hurts among them. We must forgive and bear our wound however deep. Thanks to the pioneers of Zeliangrong leaders who have attempted to re-unify the Zeliangrong people and achieved commendably.
Truth transforms us, understanding unites us and love binds us together. If there is no transformation inside each of us, all the structural plan, name and effort to unite our people will have no impact on our struggle for integration.
Steps to consider in resuscitating Zeliangrong brotherhood.
1. Despite the hurts and wounds however deep, forgive and love your brother anyway. It’s worth forgiving.
2. Take the initiative to restore the broken relationship. Its worth restoring.
3. Avoid faulty communication, visionless talks and criticism, for all the broken relationship resulted due to it.
4. Think Justice and speak the truth seasoned with grace and respect. Nothing sweetens the relationship without it.
5. Build common vision to live as one people. Look at it and live it.
6. Let each one of us strive for personal peace and contribute it in the cause of unification and integration of the Zeliangrong people.
7. Let us make our country a unique land and people through our individual effort for common unity, integrity and peace.
8. The entry of Zeliang in the Nagaland state tribal list in 1963 omitting Rongmei by some Zeliangrong leaders is regretted and needs to be remedied. Wrong must be admitted and forgiven. The deprived Community must be given due consideration and justice to them be done before long. The two brothers, Zeme and Liangmai are recognized and enlisted in the Nagaland State Tribe list as Zeliang. We are proud of it. The Rongmei brother must also be recognized likewise as a Naga Tribe in the state of Nagaland, so that The Three Brothers live together united and in harmony.
9. The Zeliangrong people in the states must be integrated, socially, politically and geographically. This is our inalienable right. We must stand for it, live for and fight for it at all cost.
“We are joined together with peace through the spirit, so make every effort to continue in this way.” – Ephesians 4:3.
“Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole community will stay together in perfect harmony.” – Col. 3:14. Let us together resuscitate, integrate and transform Zeliangrong people.
