PRESS RELEASE
The Zeliangrong people embody the classic example of the disempowered and fragmented social groups due to the colonial machinations of the British and its allies. For their honour and rights, despite the wide disparity in strength between them, they rose against the colonial government. Ironically, the injustices of being politically disempowered and territorially fragmented is still not addressed in spite of their movements under Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu. Political under-representation, land and resources alienation, poverty and under-development are the major challenges confronting the Zeliangrong society. As a result, internally, their senses of identity and interest have also been informed by the asymmetric laws and privileges of the states they are domiciled in. Further, this territorial divides and the emerging asymmetric identities also lead to infightings for exclusive identities and the rights to keep out the ‘outsiders’ among themselves. Zeliangrong Citizens Forum (ZCF) and Zeliro Adventure Club (ZAC) believe that all these challenges confronting the Zeliangrong people can be transcended only when the people are empowered politically and the territorial fragmentations are reversed.
For the muzzled voices of the Zeliangrong people, Zeliangrong Ancestral Land Expedition 2014on the theme Treading on Historical Legacy, which is a sequel to the Homecoming to Makuilongdi, seeks to highlight the injustices of being territorially fragmented and politically disempowered in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. As a symbol of the Zeliangrong Inpui people’s protests against these injustices and deprivations, ZCF and ZAC will ride across Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, starting at Tening (Peren, Nagaland) on 20TH November 2014 and ending at Luangmai (Tamenglong, Manipur) on 30th November 2014. This expedition on motorcycles is also an attempt to bring about unity among Zeliangrong Inpui, to sensitise on the importance of the preservation of Zeliangrong Inpui culture, to exhibit the areas of Zeliangrong Inpui to our people through photos, media and documentary films, to promote adventure awareness among our youths and people and to unearth the history of Zeliangrong Inpui unsung heroes, and legends.
The rally of the ZCF and ZAC will plant a UniTree near Ngam village, at the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland as a solemn pledge to reaffirm their indestructible bond of blood and reject any divisive forces. The planting of the UniTree at the tri-junction, one of the most backward and remote areas in the entire Zeliangrong Inpui country side, is a testimony to the negligence by the three states and a loud message that only a united Zeliangrong Inpui can bring them political empowerment and the long-awaited justice.
Interested individuals belonging to Zeliangrong Inpui community who want to participate the bike rally may kindly register themselves before 15th November, 2014.
Sd/-
Ben Gondaimei,
Convenor
Zeliangrong Ancestral Land Expedition 2014: “Riding On History Legacy”
Treading On Historical Legacy
The Zeliangrong Ancestral Land Expedition, 2014 captioned as ‘Treading on the Historical Legacy’ is a sequel to the Homecoming to Makuilongdi of 2012, jointly organized by the Zeliangrong Citizens Forum and the Zeliro Venturers (A Zeliangrong Bikers group).
It was flagged off by Shri. Lungchui, Chairman, Town Council Tening , Nagaland on 20th November 2014. The team consisting of 6 bikes and 2 jeeps headed towards Magulong via Njauna. After crossing one of the most adventurous roads (Ngam and Lalong stretch), the team briefly interacted with the elders at Njauna and listened to folk tales &songs.
Leaving the vehicles behind at Njauna, the team members trekked to Magulong crossing the Nagaland-Manipur border, where warm welcome was accompanied by soothing warm water. A gathering of young and old alike had engaged in cultural songs and dances with vigor and sense of pride. Story telling was by fire side in the village Community Hall, co-ordinated neatly by Shri Stephen Disuang, Former Chairman, ZSUM, where the legacy of Magulong in forever etched in the Zeliangrong history due its son Tadangbe, the chief priest for Nsuktoibe – sacred ceremony in April, 1934.
Trekking back to Njauna wasn’t easy after steep climb to Mt. Kisha. Eventually, it was already dark when the trekkers lazily switched to bikes & jeeps. It wouldn’t be long to reach Lalong had not a log laden truck that broke down and blocked the one way-or 1 lane road. Interaction was limited to few elders and some tired trekkers.
Again, literal prayers on drivers lips started as the team headed back to Ngam Junction towards Ngaulong or the Tri Junction. At Tri Junction our brothers from Assam side met us and Prez Zeliangrong Baudi, Respected Sir Raitu Chawang greeted the villagers of Ngaulong, Ngam and the expedition team. As he unveiled the Unitree Monolith, thunderous applause and “Zeliangrong Ringtelou” echoed the hills that spread around the three states. Unitree is the plantation initiative at the Tri-junction to mark the symbol of the Zeliangrong Inpui people’s unity across 3 states and to strive to live together.
The inscription on the Monolith says, “MAY THIS UniTree PLANTED ON THIS DAY FOREVER REMIND THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MAKUILONGDI APROPOS THE INDESTRUCTIBLE BOND OF CONSANGUINITY AND STRIVE FOR COMMON HOMELAND BY BREAKING DOWN THE ARTIFICIAL BOUNDARIES.”
And along western bank of Jiri River in Assam so many villages such as Hereilo, Tungje, Bamdi, Hejaichak, Nianglo, etc greeted the team as they roared towards Hangrum. The speed picked up as the road was smoother this side though narrow. Reaching Hangrum at sunset and quickly a gathering was called and opened by Heraka style invocation. Traditional Dance by local youth thrilled the team and the villagers alike. The next day was a visit to Rani Gaidinliu Inspirational Home and her artifacts followed by paying homage to martyrs at Martyrs Column.
Further to the western range, Laisong elders numbering 60 greeted the team with a thundering Re-hoi which was unexpected and yet awesome. A lengthy interaction program with myriads of activities filled the night. Laisong (aka Rasuangram) can be said to be the cradle of old Zeliangrong tradition and is the biggest Zeliangrong village in rural area in NC Hills. It is said that the first market was opened at this village in 1957.
Asalu, the abode of legendary Asa is on a gentle slope which houses several artifacts attributed to this hero of old, such as Asa Nsung (Asa’s basket), Asa Nseu (Asa’s granary), Asa Chusum (Asa’s memorial stone), Asa tumpui (Asa’s cow), Asa hetam kuak( Asa’s chutney plate), Asa’s Chair, etc are located in close proximity and located few hundred meters above the present Village. Asalu is also the first British administrative headquarter established in Naga Territory in 1837.
The team rode still westward and reached Mahur where a diversion was made so as to reach the legendary Nrimbang (A banyan Tree where fishes were grown by Asa in popular traditional folklore) at Nrimbangloa.
Just after Jatinga, the team rode to see the New Haflong Railway Station located down near Boro Haflong and riding through Haflong town, the team finally landed in Lodiram. Lodiram was founded in 1953 by Pau Late Hailungambe Newme, populated by about 523 households today and bags the tile- the biggest village in Zeliangrong country. Shri N Pouheu, President, Zeliangrong Baudi(Assam), Shri Ramkui Newme, President, Zeliangrong Heraka Association and hosts of Zeliangrong leaders spoke in the formal session held that night. The travelling team mustered enough courage to present a patriotic song composed by Rani Gaidinliu.
The next day, the team paid homage to Rani Gaidinliu at Boro Haflong. The ride from Haflong till Ramgayzaeng (Jiribam) took long punctuated by series of breakdowns. And at Ramgayzaeng, the team could not stay overnight due to bandh call the next day. Emergency landing was at a road side in Kaiphundai at mid night.
Riding northward along the western flank of Makru touching Raengtiangluang, Luangchai, Aben, Kandiheng & Mandiu, and the team stopped at Tousem Hd quarters only to resume quickly after lunch so as to reach the destination of the day. The treacherous ride down to Makru was not the happy one, the only consolation being- this road is the only line used by our brethren in and around Tousem.
Makuai is home to legendary hero Nakaam whose wife was married off to Cachar’s king in olden days. Stories of men and python and their relationship are still fresh herein. Zeiladzang is located right within the clusters of fresh water lakes such as Zeilad, (which is the biggest and deepest about 37 arms length-50 meters), Napsaem Zei-(due to typical colour), Rouh Zei- (Moss & algae, leaves & twigs) and Guayphuap Zei-Lake of Tortoises. The entire area is rich in biodiversity and the villagers were advised to restrict human habitation and deforestation. Tales of close association between Zeliangrong legendary figures such as Asa & Micharung, Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu and these unique geographical features are retold to every visitor either as warning or general knowledge.
A country boat ride to Barak Waterfalls was an uneasy calm to many. The boating team rode past Asa’s shot and the bridge attempted by him are still standing strong.
It was already dark when the expedition team finally trekked upto Makuai again to ignite the sufficiently rested engines. Though already tired and late, the team had to continue the journey towards Namtiram, the village of former Minister, Shri ID Dijuanang. The night’s gathering was engrossed deeply in history of the village and of the Zeliangrongs.
The next day’s journey for Haochong via Tamenglong town was quite a long one. The team stopped at Haipou Jadonang Memorial, Tamenglong to pay homage to the departed leader and proceeded to the destination. Finally at Haochong, formerly known as Makhuam Namdi or Pantong, the team discussed and reasoned together with elders and leaders particularly on the issue of nomenclature. The next day, sightseeing of the old village area and the abandoned Imphal-Silchar track and the village path to nearby jhum fields used in olden days were the historical legacy of this village.
On the tenth day, 30th Nov 2014, Zeliangrong Ancestral Land Expedition comes to an end culminating at Luangmai. Zeliangrong Baudi(AMN), AZSU(AMN), ZSUM, leaders and elders of Luangmai welcomed and congratulated the expedition members. The brief report of the tour, request made by section of Zeliangrong-Inpui community and overall ups and downs were shared to the gathering.
Zeliangrong Ancestral Land Expeditions Road Map
Places covered/visited by Zeliangrong Ancestral Land Expedition 2012 & 2014
