Mokokchung, 4 June (MTNews): The Rengma frontal organizations, including the Rengma Hoho (RH), Rengma Mothers’ Association (RMA), and Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ), held a consultative meeting on 2 June where they strongly condemned the actions of the Naga Club in the early hours of 27May.
The three organizations expressed their appreciation for the past and present officials of both the NSF and Naga Club for their significant contributions in preserving the legacy of the Naga Club, which has been a prominent force in the Naga political movement throughout the years. However, they stated that the good reputation of the Naga Club had been tarnished by the incident on 27 May, which had astonished the entire Naga populace. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed their disbelief at the Naga Club officials taking responsibility for the incident, which had provoked incredulity among all levels of Naga society.
“This act has not only shattered the good image of the Naga Club but has also caused irreparable damage to the trust we had placed in the Naga Club,” the statement read.
Referring to Rengma tradition, the organizations stated that it was taboo to destroy one’s own property in anger, unless there was an ulterior motive. Therefore, according to Rengma tradition, those who demolished the Naga Club building had committed a crime.
The organizations further highlighted the importance of the NSF in safeguarding numerous official and historical documents belonging to the Nagas. They strongly condemned anyone who would destroy these irreplaceable records, which hold significance for all Nagas.
“Furthermore, the justifications and clarifications circulating in the public domain reveal that the demolition of the historic building was not motivated by good intentions,” the statement alleged.
The three organizations voiced their opinion that the foundation of Naga polity, established by the Naga Club, should not be dismantled by a few individuals who do not adhere to the core principles of the Naga Club’s early years. They emphasized the importance of goodwill prevailing among the Nagas and stated that the Rengma people would not participate in the destruction of the building and the properties housed within it.