Correspondent KOHIMA, NOV 24 (NPN) : Members of Rengma community intensified their demand for a separate district by organising a walkathon from Tseminyu town to the State capital, with a public reception held at Naga Solidarity Park (NSP) here on Tuesday night.
The walkathon was one of the events organised by Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) along with a series of other events, including the recently-held Tseminyu motor rally. The walkathon covered a distance of approximately 58 km, which was to signify the number of years since Nagaland attained statehood.
Further, 73 volunteers who took part in the walkathon signified the number of years that had lapsed since the creation of a bench court at Tseminyu in 1948 and the town becoming an administrative unit the same year.
Along the way to the State Capital, the volunteers were joined by members from the community donned in their traditional shawl. The walkathon started at 3 am and, by the time the young volunteers reached NSP, many of them were exhausted due to fatigue.
At the public reception, Rengma Hoho president Polem Tep thanked the Angami Public Organisation, Angami Youth Organisation, Pochury Union Kohima and Chakhesang, Sumi and Pochury student unions for extending their support and solidarity.
He said Rengmas had submitted numerous memorandums and representations since the demand for a separate district began on March 11, 2016. He regretted that even though State government officials, including former chief secretary late Temjen Toy and home commissioner Abhijit Sinha, made special recommendations to make Tseminyu a district, till now no action had been taken.
Claiming that the Rengmas had also toiled under the same sun as any other tribe for the Naga cause, Polem said the community was yet to receive its due. He remarked that it might not be fair for the Nagas to brush aside the legitimate demand for a district since it had qualified in every aspect compared with other districts.
He expressed happiness that other Naga tribes were also gradually extending their support, adding that their demand was gradually gaining traction.
Claiming that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had given an assurance on April 1, 2021 that Tseminyu would be turned into a district “within this year”, Polem urged the Chief Minister to keep his words since 2021 was nearing its end.
He clarified that no one would suffer any loss even if Rengmas were granted their demand.
In a solidarity message, APO vice president Neivor Rutsa congratulated the volunteers who completed the tedious journey.
He said Rengmas were not asking for any special provision or privilege, but for something that was “rightfully” theirs.
He said APO fully supported their demand and wished them success in the future.
In his brief remark, AYO president Kekhrie Pfukha expressed his solidarity with the Rengmas in their quest for a separate district.
He remarked that Angamis and Rengmas had coexisted peacefully under one district all this while and hoped that the same would continue.
He lauded the community members for choosing to register their demand in the most democratic manner and remarked that they were a peace loving community.
He expressed the hope that Tseminyu would become the 13th district in Nagaland and extended support to the community.
In his solidarity message, PUK president Peter lauded the volunteers for their efforts and said history would remember the sacrifice they had made.
He said the demand of the Rengmas was legitimate and hoped that the government would listen to it.
He lauded the community for showing unity through their activities and said it was an example even for the other Naga communities.
Earlier, the public reception was chaired by Rengma People’s Organisation Kohima (RPOK) president Khinyi Woch, while Rengma Baptist Church Kohima pastor Aholo Kemp invoked God’s blessings.
A brief account and concept of walkathon was shared by RSZ president Kenneth Kath whole RPOK vice president Yunchilo Kemp proposed the words of gratitude.
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