ZBN directs frontal orgs not to participate
DIMAPUR, MAY 11 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) has directed its frontal organizations to “refrain from participating” in the May 13 NTC Public Rally in Dimapur.
The ZBN issued this directive to the Zeme Council Nagaland, Liangmai Council Nagaland, Rongmei Council Nagaland, Zeliangrong Mipui Organization, Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland, Zeliang Peoples Organization and the Zeliangrong Youth Front Nagaland unit.
A press note from the ZBN President, Rangsam N Hau and Secretary of Information and Publicity, Namrachang Hegui informed all subordinate bodies to “issue strong directives in their respective jurisdiction to abstain from attending the proposed rally, since it is against the established government and its notification order in matter of Rongmei recognition.”
“It is considered imperative that participating in such rally would tantamount to creating divisions, contention and chaos in the general Naga society which may further distort and disturb the unity, integrity and spirit of Naganess,” stated the ZBN press note.
NTC reaffirms stand
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), in a press note from its Member Secretary, Kitoho S Rotokha and Covenor, Theja Therieh called upon all “rightful citizens of the state of Nagaland to come participate and exert your voice to save the identity and status of the Nagas of Nagaland.” “The aboriginal or indigenous status is not by application to be recognized as tribe in the state but it is the native people who are identified to have being an indigenous people in his own ancestral land during political re-organization taking place to form a State,” stated
the NTC.
It further expressed that the NTC is “overwhelmed by the support extended by various mass based organizations in and around Dimapur to participate in the proposed Public Rally.” The NTC “acknowledged” the position of the Tenyimia Union Dimapur “basing on its composition and structure which is self explanatory.”
“The NTC on perusal of the notification on constitution of a Committee to examine issues relating to recognition of tribes, in the context of representations received by the Government and to highlight in greater clarity the status of tribe, indigenous inhabitant and permanent domicile,” stated the NTC press note.
It added that the mentioned terms of references “have no indication to revoke or recall the notification granting the status of indigenous Naga tribe to the members of Rongmei community in the State of Nagaland.” It thus asserted that the NTC would pursue the issue “till the recognition of indigenous tribe given to the Rongmei community is revoked in totality.”
