Zeliangrong Citizens Forum (ZCF) has informed that it would be conducting “Zeliangrong ancestral land expedition 2012” from October 6 to 22, 2012 to promote general awareness about the rich cultural heritages, Zeliangrong land and resources.
In a joint press statement, ZCF convenor Rangro Herie and ZCF Manipur-Zone coordinator Majabung Gangmei said the expedition would also re-affirm the indivisible bond of fraternal blood relationship, which will cover all the historical and places of cultural importance to the Zeliangrong people in the entire Zeliangrong inhabited areas of north east region. The theme of the expedition, ZCF said was “Grand Home Coming to Makuilongdi”.
According to ZCF, the expedition would begin October 6 from Peren headquarters, Nagaland, which would be flagged off by Nagaland minister for planning & coordination, veterinary & animal husbandry and evaluation T.R. Zeliang.
The ZCF has appealed to all responsible not to call any bandh or strike during that period and further appealed for peace and security in the region.
ZCF said Zeliangrong from different walks of life consisting of elders, intellectuals, professionals, research scholars, youth & students will touch upon different spots such as Poilwa, Benreu, Buisumpuikam Phizo & Rani Gaidinliu Caves in Nagaland, Haflong, Lodiram, Asalu, Laisong, Hangrum, Binakandi, Pubon Hill in Assam and Luangkao, Puiluan, Luangmai, Zeilat, Barak Waterfalls, Tamenglong, Tharon Cave, Npiulong(Buning), Tamei, Chawangkening, Imphal, Ze(Yangkhullen) and Makuilongdi in Manipur as the last venue of the expedition. Many resource persons will be delivering lectures on all these select locations on various issues concerning the Zeliangrong people.
The last leg of the expedition at the Zeliangrong ancestral home ‘Makuilongdi’ would witness erection and unveiling of a monolith ‘Nguiba Tusum’ to honour and acknowledge the identity of the Zeliangrong Partriach and common ancestor which will be followed by Banyan Tree plantation.
The 17-day expedition ending at Makuilongdi would be a symbolic ‘Grand Home Coming’ of the sons and daughters of Makuilongdi who had long dispersed from the historic Village to re-affirm their common origin and to re-assert their rightful place in the comity of nations.