UKHRUL/NONEY: The Zeilad Zeliangrong Region of NSCN/GPRN and the Zeliangrong Region of NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Rongdai village, Nungba Sub-division in Noney district, Manipur.
The event, held under the aegis of the Olive Branch Mission with the theme “Strengthening Naga Unity through the Unity and Resolve of the Zeliangrong People”, commenced with an invocation prayer by Eno Dr. Khwan Leo Gangmei, Pastor, Rongdai Baptist Church.
Eno Nathaniel Gangmei, chairman, Rongdai village delivered the welcome note while Eno L. Gonmei, Caretaker/CAO, Zeilad Zeliangrong Region introduced the delegates to the gathering.
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The MoU was signed by the authorised representatives of both parties – Zeilad ZLR Region, NSCN/GPRN and Zeliangrong Region, NSCN-K (Niki). The representatives from the NSCN-IM included DG. Robert, MCL; Salem Yang Gangmei MCL; and Longchaibi Gonmei, CAO while Maj. Gen. Mansi Panmei, Dy. Home; Gaisinglung Meiringmei, Tatar Hesron Panme, Chairman Zeliangrongpui Region represented the NSCN K.
The signing took place in the presence of a massive public gathering and was witnessed by prominent Civil Society Organisation leaders and religious leaders, including Merachao Inka, convenor, JTCM; Athan Ruangmei, vice president, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur and MG. Gangkhui, general secretary, ZBCCNEI.
Speaking on behalf of the Collective Leadership of NSCN/GPRN, Zeilad Region, Eno D.G. Robert, Member of Collective Leadership expressed sincere appreciation to the leaders and members of both parties who have shown courage, wisdom and political maturity in taking the initiative.
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“Despite differences that may have existed in the past, we have chosen the path of reconciliation and mutual respect. This decision reflects our commitment to place the interest of our people above all other considerations,” Robert said.
Also speaking on the occasion, Eno Salemyang Gangmei, Member of Collective Leadership, NSCN/GPRN, deliberated on the theme and highlighted the importance of unity among the Zeliangrong people for the larger Naga cause.
In the MoU, both parties agreed to commit themselves to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and collective responsibility in the spirit of Zeliangrong unity and the oneness of the Naga nation.
Following the signing of the MoU, an exchange of signed documents was conducted between both parties. A covenant prayer was led by Rev. MG Gangkhui, General Secretary, ZBCCNEI.
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Several prominent CSO leaders and religious leaders who attended the programme delivered solidarity messages and applauded both groups for signing the MoU for the cause of Naga unity. The leaders stressed the need to continue such reconciliation efforts in the interest of the people.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from the Zeliangrong Region, NSCN-K (Niki). The mass closing prayer and benediction was led by Eno Kasumpou Gangmei, Zonal Secretary, Luangba Zone, RBCC.
The MoU is seen as a significant step towards reconciliation and unity among Naga political groups in the Zeliangrong areas under the Olive Branch initiative.
