IT News
Imphal, Mar 1:
The Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) has voiced its concern over the misrepresentation of Manipur’s history in the Manorama Year Book 2024, published by Malayala Manorama Co-Private Limited. The chapter titled “Looking East: India’s North East,” penned by Dr. Thongkholal Haokip, Assistant Professor at JNU, has drawn scrutiny from the association.
The KSA asserts that the chapter erroneously portrays the migration of Meitei people from China’s Northwest and their settlement in Kangleipak during the 13th and 14th centuries, disregarding the region’s rich history spanning over 2000 years. While acknowledging the academic freedom to present perspectives, the KSA condemns the communal undertone associated with the portrayal, especially in a widely referenced general knowledge book utilized by Civil Service examination aspirants.
Expressing dismay over the inclusion of misleading content, the KSA urges Malayala Manorama Co-Private Limited to address the issue promptly and remove the unverified chapter from the publication.
Additionally, the book erroneously implicates Meitei people as instigators of the crisis by alleging their imposition of a counter blockade during the May 3, 2023 Tribal Solidarity Rally. The KSA refutes this claim, citing instances where such actions would be implausible, particularly in areas like Kangvai, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community.
Furthermore, allegations made by the chapter’s writer regarding police involvement in inciting violence and fostering discord between hill and plain communities are rebuked by the KSA, emphasizing the peaceful coexistence of various communities within the state.
The KSA calls upon local academics to address the matter earnestly to ensure the accurate portrayal of Manipur/Kangleipak’s history, enabling people to grasp the reality of the region’s heritage.
