New Beisumpui, February 26 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZB-N) General Conference-cum-Election for the tenure 2026–2029 was held at New Beisumpui village on February 25 under the theme “Embracing our Zeliangrong Differences”, with Dr Johnny Kadunsin Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer, NSDMA, Government of Nagaland, as the resource person.
The programme began with an invocation by Raigaing Pame, Elder, PCI New Beisumpui, followed by a welcome address by Irangtalakpe, Deputy Speaker, ZB(N) and Chairman, Old Beisampui. K Akhang, Advisor, ZB(N), led a tribute in honour of departed ZB(N) officials of the 2022–2026 tenure. The presidential address was delivered by Wingam Wring.
Cultural performances by the Beisampui Deilung Youth Organization and the Women Society of New Beisumpui village showcased traditional dances reflecting the community’s cultural roots, pride and identity. Renowned Zeliangrong artiste Nangkamlak Pame enthralled the gathering with his popular song “Zetiangrong Lets Strive for Contentment”.
The programme also featured speeches by representatives of the Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO), Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland (ZMON), Zeme Council Nagaland (ZCN), and Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN).
Speakers, along with the ZB(N) president in his address, emphasised the need to foster unity, promote a common language, recognise the importance of population strength, reinforce common brotherhood, and protect and preserve land and resources.
In his address, Dr Ruangmei elaborated on the conference theme and urged the community to embrace their differences for progressive development, both individually and collectively. He stated that history is shaped by generations and not merely by books, and remarked that the Zeliangrong identity predates 1947.
He further said that prior to 1963 there was no indigenous issue and that all are equal. Referring to the Zeliangrong people as being endowed with approximately 12,000 sq km of land and describing them as the second largest tribe in Northeast India after the Boro, he stressed the need for unity guided by wisdom. He asserted that nothing is possible without people and nothing can endure without institutions.
