Zeliangrong sentiments hurt: ZB(AMN)

Dimapur, Feb. 17: Zeliangrong Baudi comprising Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZB (AMN) expressed anguish on the silence of right thinking citizens over the whole episode which unfolded following the unfortunate incident at Dimapur on January 31. With no sign for goodwill to prevail and restore peace and normalcy in Nagaland, ZB (AMN) broke its silence to defend one of its sons from the tirade of accusation of wrong doings for which he was not at all responsible. While expressing sadness over the lost of two precious lives on January 31 from the police firing, ZB (AMN) was surprised that TR Zeliang was forced to take responsibility of the death of these two youths. ‘As per Zeliangrong customary law, it is a heinous crime to invade or attack someone’s house. It is also an established Naga customary practice that when you are attack at home- whether to cause you harm or to destroy your properties, the house owner in defence have every rights to take any extreme step to defend his family or properties,’ ZB (AMN) president Raitu Chawang said in a press statement. It strongly felt that rather than blaming TR Zeliang for the unfortunate incident, those leaders who organised and incite the mob to attack and vandalise the private residence of TR Zeliang at Dimapur should be held solely responsible for the death of late. Khriesavizo Mehta and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer. ZB (AMN) said the sentiment of the Zeliangrong community was deeply hurt by the numerous false accusations hurled at TR Zeliang with the sole intention of forcing him to step down. It said Nagas were taken for a ride by some few vested leaders who misled the whole Nagas to suit their personal interest. ZB (AMN) felt that TR Zeliang has not committed that much of a crime to be branded as criminals as publish in some local newspapers and seen in some poster campaign. It strongly felt that it was unfair and unjust to accuse someone of falsehood just to gain political mileage or to settle old score. It also said Zeliangrong community was also saddened and disheartened by the suppressive attitude of some Naga brothers who have tried to create fear psychosis in the minds of the Zeliangrong people during the time of crisis. Stating that Zeliangs in Nagaland have always been an integral part of the big Naga family and was always considered as equals, it, however, said lately there seemed to be little or no place in Nagaland for a minor and backward tribe like the Zeliangs. This can be proved from the fact that the Zeliangs were tagged as ‘anti-Naga’ as seen in some posters published in newspapers, ZB (AMN) said. Inspite of its contribution and sacrifices for the cause of the Nagas, it said the ‘anti-Naga’ tag had caused deep wound in the hearts of the Zeliangrong community which will be hard to heal, it added. NTAC responds to ZBN Reacting to the statement made by the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) which appeared in local dailies on February 17, the Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) Kohima and the JCC and NTAC retorted to the Baudi that that the Naga people stands for the protection of the rights of Nagas. “Therefore, if yours is a true Naga Tribal Organisation, you must unequivocally stand up in line with the rest of the Naga apex tribal organisations and demand for immediate action against TR Zeliang, the Chief Minister of Nagaland who ordered and killed innocent lives and injury to many on 31st January, 2017,” a press release from the NTAC stated. It said all these turn of events were well established as per his (Zeliang) press statement published on January 30 last in the newspapers. “Had TR Zeliang, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, listened to the voice of the people before any untoward incident that took place, situation would not have reached what is today. “Therefore, for the sake of publishing in the print media no irrational statements be given which will only invite more condemnation even to your organisation for supporting wrong doers,” the NTAC stated.