Clarification About the First ZIB (Tamenglong-ZIB) and “new-ZIB” (Dimapur-ZIB)
Sir,
This is a rejoinder to the press statement issued by the convener of the “new-ZIB” (or, Dimapur-ZIB) regarding its competency to convene the proposed Convention at Peren on 30-7­2010, and to decide on “Nomenclature, or Constitution, or Election” of the apex body (ZU-AMN). The “new-ZIB” (Dimapur-ZIB) as well as its proposed Peren Convention are illegitimate and incompetent to decide on the said important subject-matters of the ZU(AMN), for the following reasons: ­
1. The “First-ZIB” (Zeliangrong Interim Body) constituted by the Tamenglong Convention of 30­10-2009 was a legitimate body with authority under the Union Constitution. In accordance with the Resolution of the Nungba Meeting of “Chaguat Phom” (18-6-2009), the Tamenglong Convention was held “to decide on the use of the terms UNION or BAUDI or Otherwise” for the nomenclature of the ZU (AMN). The ZU (AMN) took part in organizing the Convention and participated in the proceedings of the Convention, under the authority of the Union Constitution. Therefore, the Tamenglong Convention as well as its ZIB were legitimate and had the constitutional authority to discuss and decide on the nomenclature, or constitution or election of the ZU (AMN).
The first ZIB (Tamenglong-ZIB) was constituted for a tenure of three months (November, December/2009 and January/2010) only, within which the ZIB had to carry out election of new office bearers for the apex body (ZU-AMN). Unfortunately, the Tamenglong-ZIB failed to carry out the election before its tenure expired on January 31, 2010; and naturally the ZIB was defunct and ceased to exist. Although the Tamenglong-ZIB was willing to continue to carry out the unfinished tasks, on account of the strong objection and complaints, particularly from the students section, the first ZIB (Tamenglong-ZIB) had to cease functioning.
When the ZIB had expired without electing new office bearers, the apex body (ZU-AMN) was left in a state “vacuum” or “zero-organization” situation, the incumbent office bearers took over the charge and resumed the office under the provisions of the Union Constitution (Article: 26). Since then the ZU(AMN) has been functioning as usual and carried out the over­due Election on July 20, 2010.
2. The second ZIB constituted by the Dimapur meeting of 26-2-2010 was illegitimate and unconstitutional. In spite of their sincerity or good intention, the leaders or participants of the Dimapur meeting were not authorized by the Tamenglong Convention nor by the Union Constitution to constitute the “new-ZIB” (Dimapur-ZIB). The Dimapur-ZIB has no connection with the Tamenglong Convention or the first ZIB (Tamenglong-ZIB) which had already expired in January 31, 2010.
3. Thirdly, the Dimapur meeting of 26-2-2010 constituted the “new-ZIB” (Dimapur-ZIB) for a tenure of three months (February, March April/2010). So, this Dimapur-ZIB (of Mr. Ningthaodai Gonmei) had also expired its life on April 30, 2010. Therefore, this new ZIB (Dimapur-ZIB) could not have convened the Convention at Peren on May 20 or on July 30 - when the convener (Dimapur-ZIB) had already expired in April. That’s why the proposed Peren Convention of 30-7-2010 convened by Dimapur-ZIB which is a dead and non-existent body, is illegal and invalid. Any decision taken in such illegal meeting, shall be void in the eye of law and in the court also.
4. Fourthly, the ZU (AMN) only has the constitutional authority to decide on the “Nomenclature. or Constitution, or Election” etc. of the Zeliangrong Union (AMN). No other committee or body has the authority to do so. In 1972, the ZU (then, ZNU) as well as the Zeliangrong national leaders had already banned formation of any parallel organization within Zeliangrong community. The ZU (AMN) absorbed the local organization of Nagaland called “Zeliangrong Hojam” into the ZU in 1995 in public interest and to strengthen the Unity and Solidarity of our great tribe. Unfortunately, after sometime another local organization came up in its place, called “Zeliangrong Baudi” (then Mr. Dennis / presently Mr. Akhang). The ZU (AMN) feels such mushroom growth undesirable for the unity of our tribe. The ZU (AMN) agreed to discuss and settle the agenda on “Union” or “Baudi” or “Otherwise” in the Tamenglong Convention as a matter of continued discussion of nomenclature considered earlier at Tamei Uniolt Assembly (2006). But, the ZU (AMN) does not recognize the so-called “Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN)” as it was unconstitutionally formed by certain renegade (impeached) leader of the Union. Therefore, the proposed Peren Convention is also not desirable. If certain group of leaders or persons go on setting up new organizations from time to time, our Zeliangrong society will be full of parallel apex bodies. This is not acceptable social norm. It only will lead to a farce.
5. Lastly, the ZU (AMN) will continue to work in proper and constitutional manner, to find out a solution to the problems of nomenclature which the Tamenglong Convention had left unfinished. In the meantime, it may be advisable to defer the proposed Peren Convention. Let us put our heads together to strengthen our organization and to stride forward toward the goal set for us by our forefathers.
Yours faithfully,
Amu Kamei, President, ZU (AMN).