People’s Consultative Meeting on Zeliangrong Apex Body

The Consultative meeting of Zeliangrong People with Zeliangrong Naga National workers of all factions on the issue of Zeliangrong Apex Body held on the 2nd December 2011 at Tamenglong Hq, at UBC Church conference hall. The content is the extraction of the proceedings of the consultation.
In pursuance of the last Joint meeting of Zeliangrong Naga National workers, with Zeliangrong Elders’ Forum of Peace Brokers held at Makoi village, 28th September 2011, wherein (Resolution No.1.) resolved to convene a Consultative meeting of Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui Councils and Zeliangrong intellectuals to sort out the issue of Zeliangrong people Apex body, this consultative meeting is being so organised by ZEFPB as endorsed and entrusted by the Meeting.
This house of Consultative Meeting was attended by members representing from, Liangmei Council, Manipur, Rongmei Council,(AMN), and Rongmei Council, Nagaland, representatives from ZU (AMN), and prominent Zeliangrong intellectuals, and regional representatives of Zeliangrong National workers, Church, NGOs and political  based organisations.
The meeting was opened with a prayer led by Rev. Ch. Widabou, Pastor, UBC TML.  Mr. D. Dikambui, Co-Convener of ZEFPB gave a welcome address on behalf of the Organising Committee. Self introduction was given and then introductory address was given by Rev. N. Palmei, Convener, ZEFPB. He stated the basic motive and mission purpose of ZEFPB and justified that the body was formally formed by ZU (AMN) under the leadership of Mr. Ningtangpou President, ZU (AMN) prior to the creation of Baudi (AMN) with a single purpose to initiate unification of all the Naga National factions in Zeliangrong areas. He stated that, the purpose was served with the forming of Peace Committee to monitor the affairs of Peace and Unity among the Zeliangrong National Workers. However, as the situation compelled and as endorsed to ZEFPB  by the Joint Meeting, to initiate steps to resolve the prevailing problems of claiming and Counter claiming of Apex Body of the Zeliangrong people Organisation, Union & Baudi (AMN),this consultative meeting is organised.
The Convener invited suggestions and views from the members representing their organisations.  At the outset, Mr. Namgai, Advisor to Rongmei Council Nagaland, on behalf of Rongmei Council and people, expressed displeasure over the existing two parallel Apex Zeliangrong Organistion. He stated that the matter is serious and should be sorted out at the earliest. Further he suggested the house to formulate structuring the apex body consisting of all the cognate Councils (Rongmei, Liangmai, Zeme, & Inpui).  Mr.Dithinbou, President Liangmai Council, Manipur, stated that, the Council shall remain detached from Zeliangrong organisation until acceptable Apex Body is formed consisting of all the constituent Tribe Councils. Mr. Thuankubui, President RC,(AMN) stated that as the Council had walked out from the last Peren Convention 2010, the Council shall not cooperate with the  present Zeliangrong organisation until a common and acceptable platform is properly formed. He had suggested the house a structural format for the formation of Apex Zeliangrong People organisation. Mr. Dingsung Pamei, V/President, ZU (AMN) expressed concern that, a single apex body is a must and further stated that the ZU (AMN) wants early solution to the problem.  Mr. Sijamang, Chairman, Shingra VA, representing VACC stated that the present apex body does not carry any worth as people organisation and the Village Authority Chairmen Council (VACC) Tamenglong District is committed to support formation of any unanimous nomenclature for Zeliangrong Apex Body. Mr. James Akham, President, RC Nagaland stated that the Rongmei people does not support and cooperate the ZB (AMN). He also expressed displeasure over Zeliang People Organisation for their rejection in the process of recognition of Rongmei tribe in the state of Nagaland. Mr. Namloy   Remmei,  Secy. RNCM, pleaded for formation of  Hamei Organisation. Shri. Mani Charenamei, Ex.MP.  expressed his regret for the absence of Baudi (AMN) at the Consultation. He also views that the inability to have a single apex body shows lack of people vision, unity and leadership discipline. He further suggested that the apex body should be represented by the four tribes Councils of Zeliangrong for which possibility, more consultation should be held with the people. Rev. Namsadai Kahmei, Pastor, TBC Tml. on behalf of Tamenglong Town Churches Union(TCU)  expressed his concern to have a single Apex body and is willing to take part to initiate any step toward making the process of forming Zeliangrong people Apex Body.   Mr. Kaikhamang Daimei Rtd. Jt. Director/TRI gave a brief report of a joint meeting of Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui held on 31/8/2010 stating to change the nomenclature of Zeliangrong and replace/rename it with Hamei in place of Zeliangrong. Mr. Kambi, Rajapeu, NNC expressed the opinion of NNC stating to endorse support to creation of a single apex body. Mr. Karuchang, Tartar on behalf of NSCN(K) expressed displeasure over the absence of ZB (AMN) in such a consultation. He also assures the house to agree and support to any decision of the consultation to resolve the issue.  Mr. Soihiam, Tartar NNC stated that Baudi (AMN) and Union (AMN) should agree to what this house of people consultation decided. Mr. T.A. Rongmei, CAO, Zeilad Region stated that the ZEFPB   is the right platform to dissolve and form a new People Apex Body because the house is constituted of concerned tribes Councils and Zeliangrong Naga National workers. He also stated that any absentee Zeliangrong organisations should not hamper or hinder the formation of Zeliangrong Apex Body. Mr. ZD.Bon Gangmei, Steering Committee, NSCN/GPRN stated that the existing parallel bodies have been a stumbling block to our Society and Naga Nation. Mr. Gaiduanrei, Chairman, ZLR Region NSCN (K) expressed his displeasure over the intent or deliberate negligence of the ZB (AMN) on the problem. During the open discussion, members present expressed that the Baudi (AMN) fall short of the status quo to claim as apex body of the whole Zeliangrong people for the following reasons:
 a) The Second ZIB failed to accomplish the mission objective to reconcile the contending two Apex Bodies prior to convening the People Convention.
b) The Liangmai Council Manipur remain detached themselves from the Union and Baudi and so not represented at the Peren Convention 2010.
C) The ZU (AMN) did not represent at the Peren Convention 2010.
d) After the expiry of the given time for the second Interim body to accomplish its mission objectives, the ZU (AMN) resumed its office as Apex Body.
e) The three tribes Councils namely, Zeme, Rongmei and Inpui (Manipur) not represented at the convention 2010. The Liangmai Council (Manipur) being remained detached from any Apex Body, and so not represented.
f) Rongmei Council (AMN) and Rongmei Council (N) officially walked out from the Convention 2010.
Considering the views and suggestions shared at this house of consultation, It is observed and concluded that a single Apex Body should be formulated. The ZB(AMN) and The ZU(AMN) are therefore urged to reconsider their stands in the interest of the whole Zeliangrong People living in the three states (AMN).
The members present strongly felt the need and necessity to initiate a measure to resolve the issue. Subjectively reasoned, that the cooperation of Zeliangrong Naga National Workers is deemed necessary in sorting the issue of the Zeliangrong Apex body.
  Now therefore,
1.     This house of consultation on considering the above opinions, suggestions, and views do hereby recommends that settlement on the contending issue of Apex Zeliangrong organisation is a necessity and should be sorted out at the earliest.
  2.     Further this Consultative Meeting has resolved to establish a special committee to work out a settlement on the contending Apex Body of the Zeliangrong People. Accordingly, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) on the issue of Zeliangrong People Apex Body  is formed consisting of the following members organisations:
  1.     Rongmei Council (AMN) &(N, A & M)
2.      Liangmai Council (M & N)
3.     Zeme  Council (N & M)
4.     Inpui Council (M)
5.      ZBCCNEI (M)
6.     RNBA (M)
7.     LBA (N)
8.     ZMBA (M)
9.     LNBA (M)
10. RBA (N)
11.  ZBA (N)
12.   ZBCC (N)
13.    ZNBA (M)
14.   Rongmei Council Assam.
15. Village Authority Chairmen Council (M)
16. Village Council Chairmen Union Peren District (N)
17.   Zeliangrong Catholic Association (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland)
The ZEFPB is entrusted to convene the formative meeting of the Joint Action Committee on Zeliangrong Apex Body.