Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): The Luangdimai (Zeliangrong) Citizens Forum (LCF) has condemned the action of NSCN (IM) against derecognizing its tribe apex civil organizations namely Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland), Zeliangrong Students Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) and Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland). In response to a press statement which earlier appeared in The Morung Express on July 31 captioned, “NSCN (IM) derecognizes apex Zeliangrong organisations,” the forum reiterated its stance stating that “Zeliangrong Frontal Organizations were not created by NSCN (IM) nor our people requested them for recognition of our frontal bodies in whatsoever manner in any point of time.” Therefore, it appended that “the question of de-recognition by NSCN (IM) does not arise.”
“The Zeliangrong people and their frontal organizations do not exist on the mercy of the NSCN (IM),” the Forum asserted in a press statement issued by its Information & Publicity Wing. However, the LCF opined that it was not a right time for the party to “disown friendly and supportive organizations and create enemies afresh within Naga community out of frustration when the solution to the protracted Indo-Naga talks is in the final stage and fully knowing well that there is already opposition to the ongoing talk by neighboring Non-Nagas.” As per the ‘lmphal Declaration’ on April 7 2018, the Forum reiterated that the Zeliangrong people are one who are bounded by the indestructible bond of blood relationship. “We will continue to uphold and support all the Zeliangrong frontal bodies in their endeavour towards maintaining and fostering Zeliangrong people as one single entity or 'tribe',” the forum affirmed.
Therefore, any move targeted to create division and confusion amongst the Zeliangrong people is unfortunate and condemnable, it said. Stating that the NSCN (IM) also alleged the Zeliangrong frontal organization as “hell bent on maligning the image of the NSCN and sabotage the Indo-Naga peace process,” the forum said the statement was unjustified and very immature on the part of the group who is spearheading the Indo-Naga peace talks. “Instead of trying to foster brotherhood and cooperation from all Naga people, such manner of trying to shift responsibility and putting blame on the Zeliangrong frontal organizations for the protracted and unresolved peace talks is nothing but a sign of frustrations on their part,” it stated.
The Forum also added that “the Zeliangrong people have been extending active and unflinching support to the greater cause of the Naga people since the beginning.” Expressing dismay over the party, it lamented that the manner in which NSCM (IM) conducts itself in recent times had only brought about a feeling of betrayal among the Zeliangrong people. “This sense of betrayal has been felt because not only precious lives been sacrificed for the cause of the Nagas but also our best lands and resources are being used by NSCN (IM) to sustain the movement towards achieving the Nagas' common goal,” they pointed.
The Forum, therefore reaffirmed that whether the NSCN (IM) recognizes the Zeliangrong people as 3 or 4 tribes or not or recognizes or derecognizes the Zeliangrong Frontal Organisations, “the Zeliangrong people will continue to uphold and they will continue to represent us now and in the days to come.”
It concluded stating that the NSCN (IM) should focus on bringing solution to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks rather than diverting its attention by interfering in the internal affairs of the Zeliangrong people.
