Author:
Publication: Organiser
Date: May 8, 2005
URL: http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=77&page=32
Introduction: A true nationalist,
warrior for Naga culture
Known as Naga Hindu leader, Haipau
N.C. Zelian, passed away in Guwahati on April 23. He was 69. He is survived
by his wife and six sons. Zeliang had been undergoing treatment at down
town hospital in Guwahati since April 4. According to doctors, he had been
attacked with diabetic nephropathy and diabetic cardio-myopathy. It was
later followed by cardiac arrest. His body was taken to Dimapur on the
night of April 23 and then to Jalukie.
Born on March 23, 1936, at Ntuma
village of Nagaland, N.C. Zeliang was the voice of all nationalist forces
in the north-east region. He was a choir leader as a theologian during
the visit of British missionary, Billy Graham, in 1972 at Kohima. He was
an undisputed leader and pioneer of Zeliangrong Heraka Association-Assam,
Manipur and Nagaland. He was elected president of the association since
its formation in the year 1974 and fulfilled the responsibility till he
breathed his last. He was also the recipient of Vivekananda Sewa Samman,
Kolkata, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Swarna Jayanti Samman-2004 and Zeliang Unity
Award, which added to his eminence. As far as his political career is concerned,
N.C. Zeliang was first Congress-I MLA from Tanlung constituency, founder
president of BJP, national executive member of BJP and member of CAPART.
N.C. Zeliang had been closely associated
with Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram for the last 25 years. He was also the founder-member
of Janjati Vikas Samiti, Nagaland. He was well known to the VHP leaders,
the Rama Krishan Mission, the Bharat Sevasharam Sangh and the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh. He played a key role in the growth and development of
Zeliangrong Heraka Assocation. His recent speech, delivered on the occasion
of the annual conference on February 12 at Jalukie, inspired the masses
and created a sensation in the Naga society.
He was also an ardent supporter,
promoter, preserver and patron of the North-East India Faith and Cultural
Protection Forum. He led Naga cultural troupes even to foreign countries
like Damascus, France, Syria, Holland and Poland. His demise is a big loss
to Naga society.
FOC