DIMAPUR, Sept 20 - Tribal bodies, including Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Ao Senden, Western Sumi Youth Front, Zunheboto Town Youth Organisation, Chakhesang Youth Organisation Kohima, Youth Association Nagaland, Lotha Youth Hoho, Survival Mokokchung and Ao Youth Organisation have resented the decision of the Central and Nagaland Governments to eulogise Rani Gaidinliu through construction of a museum-cum-library in Kohima in her memory and backed the stand of the Angami Public Organisation on the issue.
Deliberating on the issue at a marathon meeting organised by the NTC in Kohima on Friday, its adviser Z Lohe said people were happy over the honour bestowed on Rani Gaidinliu as a freedom fighter but stated that she fought against Naga National Council (NNC) and as the Government of India was against the NNC movement, it described her as a freedom fighter.
He said if Gaidinliu could be honoured there was no reason why P Shilu Ao, Dr Imkongmeren Ao, Hokishe Sema or AZ Phizo, who were the sons of the soil, could not be honoured since it was due to them that �we are here today�. Lohe maintained that the NTC is not against the government nor a particular community but added that Nagaland cannot be turned into Heraka land which Gaidinliu practised.
First convener of Naga Hoho Yesonu Veyie said there was nothing to rejoice over the Naga Peace Accord and anything against the Nagas would not be acceptable.
NTC general secretary Nribemo Ngullie, speaking on the problem of illegal immigration, said illegal immigrants should be dealt with under the Passport Act.
Ngullie said Nagas were very accommodative and open to outsiders but cautioned that immigrants would mess up �our inherent rights one day�. He said the illegal immigrants should be monitored constantly like in other States.
Summing up the deliberations, NTC president Lendinoktang Ao said church organisations, tribal hohos, youth organisations and other section of people in the State have denounced the proposal of idolising and glorifying Rani Gaidinliu. He also said the State Government�s move to grant status of indigenous tribe of Nagaland to Tangkhul, Poumai, Rongmei, Mao tribes, etc., would one day lead to giving similar status to Nepalis or Biharis. Youth organisations from various districts took part in the discussions and expressed the need to have a common youth platform for Nagas of Nagaland.
