DIMAPUR, JUNE 2 (MExN): A conclave on Zeliangrong socio-political issues held in New Delhi on May 30 called for greater coordination among stakeholders, broader community participation, and continued efforts towards addressing the political aspirations of the Zeliangrong people. The ‘Conclave on Zeliangrong Socio-Political Issues: A Strategic Framing Discourse’ was organised by the Zeliangrong Welfare Association Delhi (ZWAD) and attended by Zeliangrong intellectuals, senior leaders, bureaucrats, student representatives, church leaders, members of the Zeliangrong Statehood Working Committee (ZSWC), leaders of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), and concerned citizens residing in Delhi.
According to the concluding remarks issued by ZWAD on June 1, participants engaged in discussions on Zeliangrong political issues and the ongoing political negotiations with the Government of India. The conclave explored possible approaches towards an early settlement of the community's long-standing political aspirations.
Among its observations, the conclave strongly urged that "an effective mechanism be instituted to synchronize and coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders towards the realization of the shared aspirations and collective objectives of the Zeliangrong people." Participants also emphasized the need for more conclaves, consultations, and strategic discussions to promote unity, understanding, and collective action.
The conclave further resolved to organize a democratic rally or demonstration "to assert and reaffirm the rights of the Zeliangrong people and to press for the fulfillment of their legitimate political aspirations." It was agreed that such programmes would be held across the Zeliangrong homeland and in Delhi at an appropriate time beginning in 2026.
The gathering also stressed the need to mobilize civil society organisations, scholars, bureaucrats, intellectuals, and concerned individuals to contribute towards the realization of Zeliangrong aspirations.
In addition, the conclave appealed to elected representatives of the Zeliangrong people, including MLAs and Members of Autonomous Councils across Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, to extend their support to the movement. The ZSWC was entrusted with obtaining written endorsements from elected representatives as an initial step towards demonstrating support and solidarity.
On the question of political settlement, the conclave stated that if the demand for a Zeliangrong Homeland or State is not immediately accommodated, "such an MoS must explicitly acknowledge/mention that the arrangement is interim in nature" and should serve as "a preparatory/transitional step towards the realization of a full-fledged Zeliangrong Homeland/Statehood."
The conclave also resolved to constitute an Expert Committee to prepare a draft framework and roadmap for finalizing a Memorandum of Settlement with the Government of India at the earliest.
According to the statement, all observations and remarks were unanimously affirmed and endorsed by the participants. The house entrusted the ZSWC with the responsibility of pursuing, coordinating, and advancing the decisions and recommendations that emerged from the deliberations.
