Imphal: Following the “sudden resignation” of Raitu Chawang, chairman of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) due to ill health, S Kamson has been elected as the new chairman of the outfit.
According to a press release of the ZUF issued today, following the “sudden resignation” of Raitu Chawang, the front had an emergency “dimki session” and major reshuffling of the rank and file of the front was brought about. The session was attended by all the “cabinet members, senior members and high ranking officers” of the organisation. The “dimki session” deliberated on the agenda of the ZUF at length and on strengthening the front in order to meet the aspirations of the Zeliangrong people in particular and of the Nagas in general, the press statement of ZUF also said. During the “dimki session,” S Kamson has been elected as chairman of the ZUF, Z D Bond Gangmei as vice chairman, Adum Hozam Thaimei will take charge of Home Affairs, H Kamson as incharge of Finance, G Nguiba will take charge of Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), Franky Gonmei will take charge of Defence, Azew Deisuile will take charge of External, Shangthonbou Newmai will take charge of Social Welfare and Miuchingreiyang Gonmei will take charge of Arts & Culture of the ZUF.
Meanwhile, according to the press statement, during the “farewell meeting cum blessing ceremony conducted in Dimapur on August 26, 2022 and attended by senior leaders of Zeliangrong civil organisations and religious leaders of the Zeliangrong people, Raitu Chawang was given a solemn farewell.” The statement also said that there was a rousing standing ovation after he delivered a powerful farewell speech and was presented a Pheingau (Zeliangrong Men’s Shawl) as a memento of his long and dedicated service to the Zeliangrong people and to the ZUF at its crucial phase 5 years ago till today by S Kamson, the founder member of ZUF and the new chairman (Kamson was the chairman until Raitu Chawang took over 5 years ago).
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The press release then said, “S Kamson and his cabinet were dedicated to the service of the people in the blessing ceremony administered by a renowned pastor that day.” In his speech, Kamson mentioned how Raitu Chawang had struggled to keep the Zeliangrong movement alive despite his ill health. “He reassured that the common aspirations of the Zeliangrong people will not be compromised under any circumstances and encouraged the cabinet members and officers of the Front to work harder, pray more fervently and work with sincerity so that Zeliangrong people can achieve the dreams of Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu,” the statement further said. The new chairman, (Kamson) also reiterated that “leadership may keep changing with the passage of time but the foundational truth that Zeliangrong/Luangdimai people living in the compact and contiguous areas in the NE states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram are one people and they need a common homeland or Luangdiram as their own territory to live together and to govern themselves is without doubt, deservingly and unquestionably the greatest desire of the people.” He further stated that Zeliangrong homeland within the Union India is very much permissible under the purview of the Indian Constitution of India. “With strong and robust government at the Centre and in the states mentioned above and with good working relationship with the NNPGs, Zeliangrong people must work harder to keep the Zeliangrong movement in the fast track.” He further appealed the civil organisations of the Zeliangrong people and the public to work out a workable strategy so that all the stake holders cooperate and strive to achieve the collective Zeliangrong dream.
The statement then said that, on the occasion of the 91st Martyrdom Day of Haipou Jadonang, the Zeliangrong United Front paid its deepest homage to the “legendary hero and freedom fighter who had laid down his life for the noble cause of his people (Makaam/Zeliangrong/Luangdimai/Naga i.e the indigenous people in the region of Assam_Manipur_Nagaland).”
The ZUF then appealed every individual of the “Zeliangrong/Makaam/Luangdimai” people irrespective of the regions, dialects and faiths to light up candles at their homes at 6 pm on August 29, 2022 in remembrance of the “hero martyred” for protecting his land and people so that the children growing up will learn about him and his extreme sacrifice. “On this historic occasion, the ZUF commits itself to work dutifully and exert its whole strength towards the realization of the dream of Haipou Jadonang. The ZUF further appeals the Zeliangrong public and civil society organization leaders to extend every possible help in order to achieve the unfulfilled desires and political aspiration of our patriots, Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu,” the statement added.
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Meanwhile, the ZUF also cautioned the public that there are some individuals and organisations with “honey coated tongues colluding with the enemies of our people”. Those individuals with their intention being to keep the momentum of Zeliangrong homeland movement flow by dividing the people into many pieces and creating confusions shall be marked, it also stated. “Such leaders and organizations should not be given any support by the public because their agenda is to divide and rule, personal position and wealth in the name of working for the people,” the statement added. The ZUF also warned that it will take strong action against those individuals and organisations if they continue to stand in the way of Zeliangrong homeland and in any manner if they try to sabotage the historic and common aspirations of the Zeliangrong people.
Lastly, the ZUF congratulated all the newly appointed members and warmly welcomed them. “Once again, the Zeliangrong United Front salutes Haipou Jadonang with highest honour and echo his proclaimed slogan, ‘Makaam Meirui Gwangh Tupuni’ meaning the Indigenous People shall Reign. Hozam! Zeliangrong Ringtelou!,” the statement added.
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