Way back in 2008 Naga Hoho’s view for recognition of Rongmei as Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland was most probably after going through all the criteria laid down by the State Govt. Besides other Hohos views and opinion, some prominent leaders like Late Dr. Hokishe Sema, former Chief Minister & Late Mr. Khekiho Sema, former MP strongly recommended for recognition of Rongmei as they were here much before the statehood and pre India independent.
2. Subsequently, a Committee headed by Home Commissioner, had submitted the report in 2012 and cabinet had taken decision when Mr. Neiphiu Rio was the Chief Minister.
3. Nagaland Tribe Council (NTC) came with a complaint against the notification of Rongmei recognition as a tribe in Nagaland. As such the Cabinet constituted a Committee, headed by Chief Secretary to re-examine the issue and put up the matter to Cabinet for decision but till today the Committee had not submitted its report on the other hand another petition filed by Zeliang People Organisation (ZPO) is pending in Ghuhati High Court. Today Rongmei issue is being subjudice.
4. Now 2016, after a lapse of 8yrs, CNTC and three constituent tribes’ decision to withdraw from Naga Hoho might have some political design besides Rongmei issue.
5. Since the present Chief Minister is from Zeliangrong community may be some political leaders had a purpose to point at him at the end. But here, let us look at some few questions, did the present Govt. issue any order on Rongmei issue? 2) Whether those three tribal Hohos had questioned the previous Naga Hoho to withdraw such recommendation or for that matter to withdraw affiliation to Naga Hoho? If not, why today few tribal bodies had come out for withdrawal from Naga Hoho after 8yrs?
6. The complainant never tried to question whether Rongmei recognition was done within the Govt. notified criteria or outside the purview of such criteria? They just want a pound of flesh from someone who is not a decision maker. Is it something to do with politics or to sabotage the ongoing Naga political talk or something to do with factional politics? Please ask Naga tribal leaders to read the meaning of subjudice, if one like to be a citizen bounded by the law of the land or they want to display might is right? It is high time one should question oneself whether the action taken is right or wrong but not just act as one desired to do so to forcibly do it.
I appeal to the public and social media to personally know the facts before making careless and ignorant remarks and creating concocted opinions which will aggravate more misunderstandings and disharmony.
Sd/-
D. ABRAHAM
Former Speaker,
Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland
