Today, with hearts filled with gratitude, emotion, and hope, we extend our sincere thanksgiving to the Government of Nagaland, Naga Tribal Hohos, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Churches, community leaders, GBs Federation and every individual who stood for justice, humanity, and truth in recognising the long-pending Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) status of the 1313 Rongmei families settled in Nagaland even before the statehood of Nagaland.
For our people, this recognition is not merely an administrative or legal decision — it is the healing of generations of pain, uncertainty, rejection, and silent suffering. For decades, our families lived with the burden of being overlooked despite our historical presence, contribution, and commitment towards the welfare and progress of Nagaland.
We have witnessed our elders struggle without recognition, our youth face identity challenges, and our families endure emotional hardship while trying to prove their belonging in the very land where they have lived, worshipped, served, and contributed for generations.
The journey has never been easy. Yet, despite moments of neglect and misunderstanding, our people continued to contribute positively through education, public service, church ministry, social work, business, culture, and community development. Through every hardship, we held firmly to our faith in God and in the spirit of Naga brotherhood.
Today, this recognition gives us more than documents or official status — it restores dignity, identity, honour, and the confidence to live without fear or shame. It gives hope to our children and future generations that they too have a rightful place in society, built on equality, respect, and justice.
We express our deepest gratitude to the Government of Nagaland for taking this humane and courageous decision. We acknowledge the wisdom, understanding, and compassion shown by the authorities who listened to the historical realities and genuine concerns of our people. Your decision has brought relief and healing to many hearts that carried pain for generations.
We also extend heartfelt appreciation to the Naga Tribal Hohos, CSOs, student bodies, intellectuals, elders, GBs and community leaders who chose dialogue, understanding, and peace over division and misunderstanding. Your support has strengthened the spirit of unity among communities.
To the Churches and spiritual leaders, we offer special thanks for your prayers, moral guidance, and encouragement during difficult times. When many among us felt emotionally exhausted, it was faith in Christ that sustained us. Your prayers reminded us that justice may be delayed, but God never forgets His people.
We understand that not everyone may view this recognition in the same way, and we respect the concerns and emotions of every community. However, we humbly appeal to all our brothers and sisters to give us the opportunity to live with dignity, honour, and peace in the land we have called home for generations. We seek neither conflict nor privilege above others — only recognition, respect, and equal opportunity as fellow citizens and fellow believers in Christ.
As Christians, we believe that love, forgiveness, justice, and unity are greater than hatred, discrimination, and division. Let us build bridges instead of walls. Let this moment become not a source of conflict, but a testimony of reconciliation, humanity, and peaceful coexistence among all communities in Nagaland.
The recognition of the 1313 Rongmei families is not the victory of one community over another; rather, it is a victory of justice, truth, compassion, and humanity. It reminds us that every human being deserves dignity and recognition regardless of background or circumstance.
We also remember with deep appreciation our own former Hoho leaders and Present Team led by Akhu Gangmei, who sacrificed their time, resources, and personal comfort throughout this difficult journey. Many endured criticism, discouragement, and humiliation while standing firmly for the rights and dignity of our people. Their perseverance and commitment will always be remembered with gratitude and honour.
We pray that Almighty God bless the Government of Nagaland, all Tribal Hohos, CSOs, Churches, and every individual who supported this long struggle. May God strengthen peace, understanding, unity, and brotherhood among all communities in Nagaland.
With humble hearts and tears of gratitude, we thank everyone who stood with us through this long journey. May we move forward together in peace, respect, and love — as one people under God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
Jenpu Rhakho Rongmei
Descendant of the 1313 Rongmei Families
S/o Late Pouhemlong Rongmei
Gainempu Gonmei
S/o Late G Abui Golmei
Descendant of the 1313 Rongmei Families
Namgalong Colony, Burma Camp, Dimapur
