On the August 6, 2010 issue of the Morung Express, one of the readers contributed a letter titled “Open questions to my Zeliang and Zeliangrong Brothers”. Written by a son of the soil Zeliangrong, we appreciate the due concern that he has for the community. As he has rightly pointed out it is quite embarrassing that people belonging to this particular community are seen constantly bickering amongst themselves so much so that there seems to be no unity in purpose and to pursue common goals of peace and development? The gentleman was obviously referring to the claims and counter claims of various so called apex bodies each claiming to represent the community. While each tribe in Nagaland has a single point of authority with due legitimacy in the eyes of the public, the same cannot be said of the Zeliangrongs. But then again this particular community also has its own unique characteristic features of history and geography. Unlike other tribes of Nagaland, the Zeliangrong for instance is spread over three States of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. And when we speak of man made boundaries and how this has divided people, the Zeliangrongs have been the worst effected among the Nagas. Therefore because of this political separation, the unity that is desired has not been forthcoming. Also, one must remember that the term Zeliangrong is an amalgamation of three separate but similar tribal people—the Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei. We need to encourage the Ze-Liang-Rong people towards strengthening of their identity, culture and institution/s. It will also be in their interest not to mix politics with their social cause. Whichever is the apex body of the Zeliangrongs in Nagaland, it should remain an apolitical-neutral body working for the welfare and benefit of all Zeliangrongs. No self respecting tribal hoho can remain as a tool of either the Congress or the NPF or any other political groups.
Also it is high time that the public leaders, MLAs or Ministers representing the Zeliangrong people should leave aside their politics and come together in helping strengthen the identity and institutions. Only a strong and united community can protect its land, culture and identity. At a time when other tribal community and districts are forging ahead, Zeliangrongs must start to seriously introspect and see where they have failed. Education, health care and economic condition of people is among the worst in Nagaland. It is reported that more than half the population lives below the poverty line. Peren district in Nagaland is blessed with abundant land and natural resources. Unlike the far-flung interior areas of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Meluri etc Peren lies in close proximity to the State Capital Kohima and the commercial capital of Dimapur. This vast potential of the district has to be explored and developed. But for this to happen there has to be cooperation among the people and a unity of purpose. One of things that will have to be done is to unite the heart and mind of the people under one common roof. And doesn’t it make sense that Ze-Liang-Rong presents itself a successful model of unity among the Nagas. This has to be demonstrated in practice as well. It is time to strengthen the goodwill, aspiration and the resolve which led to the birth of the Zeliangrong entity in the first place. An awakening of the Zeliangrongs is the need of the hour. Only then will peace, development and progress come to its people.
