IT News
Imphal, Aug 10:
The Kabui Union, Manipur has expressed its concern and disapproval of a statement that the Kabui community is a part of Naga, made during the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, organized by the Committee of Yelhoumee Furup at Tanthapollis Hall, Lamphel on August 9.
In a press release, the Kabui Union, Manipur said, “The Kabui community, as one of the ancient and distinct communities of the state, possesses its unique culture and religion, which are not subsumed under any other nomenclature. The Convenor of the event, Achung Phaomei, Convenor of the event and RK Bijayalaxmi, Secretary of the event, where this statement was made, must issue a public clarification by August 14, failing which legal action will be pursued.”
The press release further highlighted another contentious claim made during the convention by Yazing Vicisy, which purported that the Kabui and Rongmei are indistinguishable as a single community. The Kabui Union, Manipur refuted this claim, questioning the documentary basis upon which such a statement was made. It reiterated that the Kabui community, an integral part of Manipur’s historical fabric, was included in the Scheduled Tribes list in 1950 under the sole designation “Kabui.” Conversely, the Rongmei tribe was recognized separately in the Scheduled Tribes list in 2012. The Union Government has officially acknowledged Kabui and Rongmei as distinct tribes. The Kabui Union demanded that Yazing Vicisy provide a public clarification regarding his statement before August 14.
