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Luangdimai Dimki(2017)

Luangdimai Dimki, Shillong, 2017

Joyous Gard, Umpling, Shillong

 

Proceedings of the Luangdimai Dimki organized by the Zeliangrong Citizens Forum (ZCF) on 5th August, 2017 at Joyous Gard (Dr. Sam Pamei’s residence), Umpling, Shillong. The meeting was attended by executive members of ZCF and Zeliangrong people in Shillong and elsewhere.

 

  1. Ms. Gugu Haralu, acted as the progamme anchor and she welcomed the members to the Dimki session. Mr. Adin Newmai, Pastor, Zeliangrong Christian Fellowship, Shillong led the opening prayer invoking God’s blessings and wisdom for the Dimki session. This was followed by singing of the Zeliangrong Anthem. Mr. Lummei Kamson, General Secretary of the ZCF gave the introductory speech and highlighted about the genesis and the objectives of ZCF and the purpose of the Dimki session.
  2. The 1st session began with a brilliant key note address delivered by Dr. Sam Pamei, the host of the Dimki session. Emphasizing on the historical facts of our origin and the Zeliangrong as one people, Dr. Sam Pamei illustrated the oneness of the Zeliangrong people as a family by citing the example of his own family members who became a Zeme pastor in Assam, a Rongmei Pastor in Imphal valley while one of his uncles became a pastor in Tamenglong. Underlining unity as the greatest need of the hour, he exhorted the members to share their stories and experiences with an open heart, an open mind and an open attitude so as to develop empathy and unity among ourselves. Emphasizing on the need to acknowledge and see each other as an extended family, he exhorted everyone to understand that an injustice to one is an injustice to all and each one of us needs to recognize and confront our own ethnocentricism. Recalling the rich history, land and resources, the greatness of the Zeliangrong freedom fighters, the achievements of our present leaders, Dr. Sam Pamei exhorted the members to be proud of who we are despite the conflicts and chaos which are just part of progress and offers a fertile ground to nurture good leadership to emerge. Pointing out that knowledge of our own strengths will remain merely a potential power unless we act on it with collective wisdom and action in an organized manner, he exhorted that the Zeliangrong people need to come together by reaching out to one another to form a united community and repair the divisions. For this to happen, Dr. Sam Pamei urged that the future leaders of Zeliangrong people must have an accurate picture of the past and be able to dissect the contending visions of unity as it will infuse new insights on the history of our people, the sentiments on the ground and the aspirations of present leaders for tomorrow. The key note address ended with an exhortation that however small the ZCF members may be in numbers, they should never doubt that a small group of committed and thoughtful individuals can change the world!.
  3. The second session was moderated by Mr. Dai Remmei. The members were divided into 5 groups: Asalu, Makuilongdi, Zeilad, Mt. Pouna and Intangki to discuss why we should remain as one and how should we remain as one. Some of the common reasons as to why we should remain as one are as follows:

(i) Our undeniable bond of blood relationship, common origin and ancestry as reflected in the common clan system such as Newmai and Pamai clan which cuts across all the dialectal sub-groups,

(ii) The need to protect our land and its resources collectively which are vulnerable to threats from other ethnic groups in areas such as Intangki, Sadar Hills, Taosem area and the Zeliangrong areas in Dima Hasao.

(iii) To have a stronger voice as a united community among the Nagas because Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei as separate entities will be reduced to minorities with little or no weightage in the pan-naga bodies such the Naga Hoho, the NSF and the UNC.

(iv) Once we start dividing on the basis of the fissiparous/centrifugal forces, the division will not end merely as a division of Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei, but there is a great possibility of further division even within and among the Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei as Upper/Northern, Southern/Lower and Eastern or Western Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei. This is a perfect recipe for disaster of serious ramifications.

(v)  We need to remain as one people with one voice for our own safety and security strategic concerns as the harsh reality of ethnic conflicts in many of the Zeliangrong areas cannot be ruled out. If the Zeliangrong people are not united as a strong community capable of safeguarding its own social, economic and political interests, as minorities of different states, they will be easily subdued by the other dominant groups.

Some of the modalities and the structure of how the Zeliangrong can overcome the prevailing challenges and difficulties of remaining as one people which were reflected in the group discussion are as follow:

(i) Members of the groups were of the opinion that the existence of the dialectal/linguistic organizations such as the Rongmei Naga Council, the Zeme Naga Council and the Liangmai Naga Council cannot be simply denied or wished away. Therefore, the Zeliangrong apex bodies such as the Zeliangrong Baudi/the Zeliangrong Union, the all Zeliangrong Students’ Union (AZSU), etc. should be restructured with some modification and space for recognition of these dialectal organizations as co-opted members or as federating units. For instance, the AZSU (AMN) can follow a three tiered-system of representation in such a way that the dialectal organizations or the sub-groups too can get some recognition and space. At the top of the system is the AZSU which will be constituted by the ZSU (Assam), ZSU (Manipur) and ZSU (Nagaland) as the state specific federating units. Though the AZSU (AMN) may not have direct linguistic/dialectal organizations as representatives from the sub-groups, at the state levels, the ZSU (Assam), ZSU (Manipur) and ZSU (Nagaland) can either create a system of creating space for the linguistic/dialectal representation or co-opt the president or the vice-president of the LNKR, RSO and ZSO as the case may be as members of the executive committee of the ZSU (Assam), ZSU (Manipur) and ZSU (Nagaland). This will create a sense of belonging and ownership of the Zeliangrong apex bodies among the sub-groups. Some members were of the opinion that a system of equal or rotational leadership for the apex bodies may be explored as an alternative option.   

(ii) Since linguistic/dialectal divide has become such a sensitive issue among the Zeliangrong people, it was recognized by the members of all the groups that the Common Zeliangrong Language as developed by the Zeliangrong Common Language Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Elungkiebe Zeliang may be disseminated and promoted among the Zeliangrong people. An appropriate app may be developed with the help of technical experts so that the Zeliangrong people can mutually learn each other’s dialects/language through mobile/internet. A decision to teach the Zeliangrong common language in schools located in Zeliangrong areas may be taken by the apex Zeliangrong body (ies).  Movies in Zeliagronglad with sub-titles in English may also be made so as to promote the Zeliangrong common language.

(iii) The members of the groups in the Dimki session appreciated that the nomenclature “Zeliangrong” has thus far brought us together as a family. However, it was acknowledged that it has also divided and excluded some of the members of the family to leave Zeliangrong as it encompasses only the three sub-groups. It was also pointed out that Zeliangrong as a nomenclature is not too factual and accurate. So in order to make it authentic, inclusive, accommodative and acceptable as an ethnonym of our people, the members decided to popularize “Luangdimai” and rename the “Zeliangrong Citizens’ Forum” (ZCF) as “Luangdimai Citizens’ Forum” (LCF).

(iv)  Creating awareness about our history will go a long way in making the Zeliangrong remain as one people. So it was pointed out that a group of scholars may be commissioned to write the History of the Zeliangrong people which may be canonized and disseminated for wider public consciousness of our common origin, ancestry and culture as one people.

(v) A common Zeliangrong festival should be organized under the initiatives of the forum at Makuilongdi as it would go a long way in creating a sense of pride and awareness among the younger generation about the common heritage of the Zeliangrong people as a family. Monoliths symbolizing the oneness of our people may be erected and Makuilongdi can be developed as a Heritage Site of the Zeliangrong people.

(vi) Some members were of the opinion that for the Zeliangrong to remain as one people, we need an attitudinal and behavioral change towards each other. The members emphasized that we must first identify ourselves as a family, inculcate the spirit of mutual respect, understanding and empathy with an open mind and heart to help each other to succeed.

(vii) In view of the far-reaching social and economic transformation that are going to come in near future with the Act East Policy and other developments such as the Asian Trans-national highway passing through our lands, the Zeliangrong people will have to be prepared to face the future with dignity. The members are of the opinion that the apex organization/body of the Zeliangrong people such as Zeliangrong Baudi/Union should be restructured to become relevant in the present day context and it should function like a “para-state apparatus/institution” under which the traditional “Pei-System” as the elders’ council needs to be revived to act as a judicial branch, as a conscience keeper of the society, and to decide the norms of how our land and its resources will be regulated, how trading will be carried out in our areas, etc. The modalities of how such a body/system can be constituted has to be explored by examining the existing traditional/customary institutions of other tribal groups. A meeting of elders and other legal experts may be organized by the forum to explore the feasibility of how the Pei-system as a pan-zeliangrong body can be institutionalized in the present day context.

(viii)  A lot of our divisions and crisis seem to have an economic basis in that the competition for resources both material and symbolic seems to be at play. So members have strong opinion that the Zeliangrong people need to promote entrepreneurship among our people. This will make the Zeliangrong people become self-sufficient and self-reliant and make our people become proud of their identity and make Zeliangrong as an identity becomes attractive. In order to explore and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to return to our areas and contribute to the building of the Zeliangrong economy, the LCF, may organize meetings of engineers, educationists, medical practitioners, etc. so as to chart out specific and thematic road maps for the development of the Zeliangrong people.

 

For the realization of these ideas as mapped out above, some immediate action plans were adopted by the house. These are:

  1. The LCF will promote the canonization of our common history by commissioning a group of experts on Zeliangrong History for documentation and research for the same.
  2. The ZCF will send an appeal letter to ZB and ZU for merger so as to form one single apex body for the Zeliangrong as a whole. Emissaries of goodwill mission will be sent to the ZB and ZU and also to the respective councils of the Zeme, Liangmai & Rongmei so as to make the 25 October, 2017 Zeliangrong People’s Convention a success. A press conference in this regard may be called for making the public aware of the call for unity across all sections of the Zeliangrong community.
  3. The ZCF will popularize the common Zeliangronglad through social media, creation of Zeliangrong language app, making of movies and videos with sub-titles in the common language by engaging some young experts in this field.
  4. The ZCF will mobilize and promote the usage of the term, “Luangdimai”—people of Makuilongdi—which is inclusive, authentic and accommodative of all the Zeliangrong people as an ethnonym of our common ethnicity. Henceforth, the ZCF shall be rechristened as Luangdimai Citizens’ Forum (LCF) w.e.f. the 5th August, 2017.
  5. The LCF will initiate to form a trust under its aegis for which Mr. Ben Gondaimei will take the responsibility of liaising with the field based/grass root level activists and Mr. Gaithuilung (Athui, Director, NEICORD) will act as a consultant and supervise the overall drafting and planning for the formation of the said trust.
  6. The present core group team members of the LCF will continue with their term of office with the following additional members: 1 Convener, 1 Co-convener, 1 General Secretary and 1 Joint Secretary from each state to be appointed for Manipur, Nagaland and Assam. Each sub-group should have a representative including the Puimei.
  7. To give advice, support and overall guidance to the LCF, the Elders’ Board has been constituted. The house unanimously nominated the following elders as members of the board: 1. Dr. Samuel Pamei, 2. Mr. Dai Remmei, 3. Prof. Ajailiu Niumai, 4. Dr. Engam Pame, 5. Mr. Gaigongdin Panmei, IRS, 6. Ms. Gaina Kamei, IRS, Mr. Elu Ndang,  and 8. Mr. Mathiupuang Gonmei.
  8. Research and Analysis will continue to be of relevance for the LCF to act as a clearing house for ideas relating to any aspects of our endeavours for the overall progressive realization of our unity, progress and development. Dr. Tasongwi Newmei will take the responsibility of coordinating the activities related to research and analysis.

 

Shillong Declaration, 2017

The executives and advisors of erstwhile ͞Zeliangrong Citizens Forum͟ and concerned members of Zeliangrong community held a consultative meeting on 05th August 2017 at Joyous Gard, Shillong. The following resolutions were taken during the meet in the form of declaration: Shillong Declaration on 5th August, 2017. 

 

  1. We, hereby solemnly reaffirm that the Zeliangrong people are One People and that we will continue to work to realize the goals and objectives set by the Zeliangrong Citizens Forum in 2011.
  2. We express our sincere gratitude and our appreciation to both the Executives of the Zeliangrong Baudi and the Zeliangrong Union for their agreement to merge the two bodies into One Zeliangrong Apex Body. We also appeal to both the Executives, the Zeliangrong Frontal organizations, various Stakeholders and all the Zeliangrong people to continue to work for the effective and impactful outcome of the Zeliangrong People’s Convention scheduled to be held on the 25th October 2017.
  3. The House unanimously adopted Luangdimai Citizens Forum as the name of our forum in place of Zeliangrong Citizens Forum.

 

The following are Executives of  Luangdimai Citizens Forum:

  1. Rangro Herie : Convenor 
  2. Sironbo Newmai : Co-Convenor
  3. Vitono Gugu Haralu : Co-Convenor
  4. Ahung Riame  : Co-Convenor 
  5. Abijah Riamroi : Co-Convenor 
  6. Lummei Kamson : General Secretary 
  7. P. Lungsanliu : Joint Secretary 
  8. Lanbangliu Lulu Kamei : Joint Secretary 
  9. Tasongwi Newmei : Research & Analysis Co-ordinator  

 

 

 

Appeal to Zeliangrong Baudi and Zeliangrong Union

 

  1. Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland)
  2. Zeliangrong Union ((Assam, Manipur, Nagaland)

Subject: Appeal for successful conduct of Zeliangrong People’s Convention scheduled on 

25th October, 2017 at Tmenglong Head Quarters, Manipur.

 

Dear Sir,

I, on behalf of the Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF) would like to express our sincere gratitude to you and your office for the bold and thoughtful resolution made on 25th May 2017, at Namdunlong, Imphal, Manipur between the ZeliangrongBaudi(ZB) and the Zeliangrong Union(ZU) for the merger into One United Zeliangrong Apex Body.  Zeliangrong people join us in expressing the joy and appreciation to the Executive Bodies of the Zeliangrong Baudi and the Zeliangrong Union for your willingness to make Zeliangrong a vibrant and a force to reckon with once again. This historic and defining decision is a giant step towards achieving the goals of our Zeliangrong people of all generations gone by and generations to come will reckon this very day for your sincere effort in realizing the long felt dream of the Zeliangrong people. This also secures the hope people have in Zeliangrong as ONE people and certainly it is a clear message to one and all that Zeliangrong people can take decisions for their own survival, progress and prowess in all fronts.

 

We, the Zeliangrong people are a proud community known for having a glorious past at Makuilongdi and braved challenges and aggression from various forces throughout our history. Against all odds, through the blessings of Tingwang, our people could unite and rose against external and internal elements. We have had heroes and legends that even other people including Government of India revered. However, in the past few years we have faced challenges and divisions in various aspects of life amongst our people and this has impeded us from moving forward in a fast changing society as one people.

 

It is also our strong desire that the apparent or real imminent danger of being imploded amongst ourselves be averted through tactful and wise execution of resolutions taken at Namdunlong, Imphal.  Amidst vociferous voices, there is a need to reaffirm that the Zeliangrong people spread across the three states of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland are One people and that we must continue to work together with a spirit that is United and Empathetic to one another to realize the Aspirations, Needs, Expectations and Goals we have set for the overall welfare and development of our people.

 

This need for unification and solidification of Zeliangrong Apex Body has been voiced by all the Zeliangrong people spread across the three states .This appeal is our attempt at bringing forth not only our desire but also the desire of the Zeliangrong people as a whole to unite our fragmented voices into one united voice that resonate the expectations of the people.

 

Therefore it is our sincere request and humble suggestion  to you and your good office to invite all the respective Zeliangrong Frontal organizations, Executives of the every ZeliangrongVillage Pei/Council, Leaders of Religious organisation in Zeliangrong territory, other Stakeholders and all the Zeliangrong people to attend and witness the historic day of merger into One United Zeliangrong Apex Body at the “Zeliangrong People’s Convention” to be held on 25th October 2017 inTamenglong District Headquarters, Manipur.

 

It is also our request to the Executive Bodies of both Zeliangrong Union and Zeliangrong Baudi to kindly consider the grievances of Liangmai Naga Council and appoint additional Liangmai speaking elders/intellectuals in the Constitution Drafting Committee.

 

We pray to the Almighty Tingwang that the tears of thousands of Zeliangrong people shall be wiped away and their heartfelt prayers answered on the day we see the new merged apex body of the Zeliangrong people becoming a reality.

 

We also send you good wishes and join you in our prayers for the successful and positive outcome during the Zeliangrong People’s Convention” on 25th October 2017 at Tamenglong.

Zeliangrong Ringtelou!

 

 

                                                                                                 Yours sincerely,

05/08/2017

Peren, Nagaland                                                                                                           Sd/-

                                                                                       (Mr. Rangro Herie),

                                                                                             Convenor,

                                                                                                 Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF)

                                                                                                  E-Mail:[email protected]

                                                                                                 Mob.+91-8731013173

 

 

Appeal to Zeliangrong/Luangdimai People

(19th December, 2017)

 

Luangdimai Citizens Forum appeals to all the Zeliangrong people to maintain unity & integrity and to be vigilant against any other forces inimical to the greater interest of the Zeliangrong people both within and without. The Zeliangrong people are the descendants of the same ancestor who founded the great Makuilongdi village, the ‘cradle of Zeliangrong culture’. Over and above the Zeliangrong people are bound by indestructible bond of blood relationship, culture, traditions and common history. Notwithstanding this undeniable truth, the un-mandated self style councils or separatists backed by outside forces are running headlong towards suicidal destination by going astray from the path shown by our Zeliangrong pioneers for One People One Vision One Voice.

Threats to the Zeliangrong people come from within and without. Internal threats are so subtle and concealed that the ordinary people hardly notice them. Internal threats come in the form of challenge to the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people. People who cannot identify and steer away from the politics of ‘divide and rule’ are tempted to join the division of the Zeliangrong people. And such propaganda has been joined by the so-called Councils in their efforts to seek separate recognition of the Zeliangrong people in UNC, NSF, Naga Hoho, etc. trying to undo the painstaking efforts made by the people who want a united and strong Zeliangrong people as one entity. They argue that separate recognition would enhance the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people and also get more opportunities in both Government of India and Naga dispensations. These baseless and irrational arguments are being put forth by the separatists. Such arguments do not have any logic. If the desire for common identity is destroyed by such separatist agendas, the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people would be certainly jeopardized. The Zeliangrong people are not indolent public who can be taken for granted anymore. They know that it is inevitable to remain united to achieve their common dreams and aspirations.

Threat to the Zeliangrong peoples’ interest, their lives and properties loom large in all the traditional conflict theaters namely, N.C Hills, Intangki-Zalukie area in Peren, Tousem, Sadar Hills, Southern peripheral areas adjoining Churchandpur District, etc. These are the strategic locations on which the neighbours have been creating problems against the interest of the Zeliangrong people. The only way to protect and defend such locations and prevent further incursion into the Zeliangrong country is through collective mobilization and unity. We all know how we lost large chunk of our land and resources due to our internal differences and lack of strategic planning. Impending conflicts should be gauged with strategic vision keeping in mind the larger interest of the Zeliangrong people. To do that the Zeliangrong people need substantial resources and manpower, which would be possible only when there is unity and integrity. Therefore, let us not give space for any activity initiated by anti-Zeliangrong elements.

Over and above this, the Naga Peace Process is in advance stage of being settled. This is the time when the Zeliangrong people should be united even more so that we can also extend maximum cooperation and support to the Nagas’ effort for an honourable solution to the protracted Naga political problem.

Some Steps which are Inimical to Zeliangrong Unity and Integrity

  1. The formation of dialectical based organizations such as Zeme Council, Liangmai Council, Rongmei Council and their frontal wings for students, youths, etc. has been a thorn for Zeliangrong unity. Since their inceptions these un-mandated organizations have been working all out to destroy the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people by initiating various activities and propagandas which are inimical to the common interest of the people. However, the Zeliangrong people are fully aware of the fact that their sinister design would not succeed under any circumstances.
  2. The Zeliangrong people strongly condemn the Scheduled Tribes Recognition (Amendment) Act, 2011 passed by the Government of India and subsequent issuance of Gazetteer of India on 09.01.2012 which divides the Zeliangrong people into six tribes, viz; Kabui, Rongmei, Inpui, Kacha Naga, Zeme, Liangmai contrary to the original demand for common nomenclature. This Act of the Government of India was prompted by the conspirators of Zeliangrong people who are hell-bent to destroy the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people. The demand of the Zeliangrong people for our common nomenclature is “Any Zeliangrong Tribe (including Rongmei & Inpui in lieu of Kabui and Zeme and Liangmai in lieu of Kacha Naga)” which was approved by Manipur Cabinet in 1991 and 2001 based on the Anthropological survey of India (ASI) which declared “Zeliangrong as ethno-cultural entity is a valid concept”.
  3. The alleged decision of Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) asking all the Liangmai speaking group to dissociate from all Zeliangrong frontal organizations is unfortunate and its attempt to get themselves affiliated separately in UNC, NSF, Naga Hoho, etc. is not at all acceptable to the Zeliangrong people. It is a well established fact that some few vested individuals have used the name of LNC to publish news item in some local dailies claiming that all the Liangmai speaking group have decided to dissociate from Zeliangrong frontal organizations which was not at all accepted by the concerned people. The Zeliangrong people especially the Liangmai speaking group are appealed not to give cooperation to LNC in any manner for such misadventures which are detrimental to the larger interest of the Zeliangrong people.
  4. The proposed Rongmei People Convention being organized by un-mandated and self style Rongmei Naga People Organization (RNPO) to be held at Tamenglong Head Quarters in January, 2018 with a hidden agenda to divide the Zeliangrong people is un-called for and highly condemnable. When the Zeliangrong people are in critical and challenging situations where our people are expected to be extra vigilant and work unitedly to face the onslaught of other forces who are trying to snatch away our rights, land and resources some sectarian vested interest groups are trying to mislead the people by calling for a Convention to barter away with Zeliangrong unity and integrity. This action of RNPO is totally unacceptable and no stone would be left unturned to ensure that the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people is maintained at all cost. This Convention is being called with divisive agendas including a proposal to ask the Rongmei speaking group to dissociate from all Zeliangrong frontal organizations. Such evil design to disintegrate our Oneness shall not be allowed to succeed at any circumstances. Every right thinking Zeliangrong citizen must come out openly and condemn such sinister designs of RNPO and abstain from attending the so-called Convention. It is learnt that the villages have been served notice by RNPO to attend the Convention along with instructions to subscribe money for this proposed un-called for Convention. The Peis, Khunbus/Khullakpas/Chairmen of all Zeliangrong villages especially the Rongmei speaking group are also appealed not to give any cooperation to RNPO in any manner.

Conclusion

Let us remind ourselves once again of the historic and solemn pledge that our forefathers had taken in the form of Chukthoibo/Chukthoibe/Chuksumei on 1st April, 1934 at Tamenglong Head Quarters which was the most significant epitome of consanguinity of Zeliangrong people. Every Zeliangrong citizen including Inpui speaking group must uphold the great pledge of Oneness performed by the ancestors and do not indulge in any activity against the spirit of unity and brotherhood so that ill fate would not befall upon the present Zeliangrong generation and the posterity. Let us continue to kindle this golden legacy that we all inherit together for all times to come. Therefore, it is hereby appealed to our people not to attend the Convention called by RNPO at Tamenglong Head Quarters and also do not extend cooperation to any other activities which will be detrimental to the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people.

ZELIANGRONG RINGTELOU!

By: Luangdimai Citizens Forum