The Kom Union Manipur organised the Berkap-Reiju Festival at the BOAT premises, Palace Compound, Imphal East, today.
The first session of the festival was attended by Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee and former president of the United Committee Manipur (UCM), Serto Ahao Kom, President of Kom Union Manipur, S. Sanjoy, President of the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), Nahakpam Shanta, General Secretary, UCM, SM. Jalal, President, AMMOCOC and other dignitaries.
Speaking to the media during the programme, Joychandra Konthoujam stressed the importance of preserving the distinct cultural identity, traditions and heritage of the Kom community. He said the community would continue to maintain its separate identity as long as it safeguarded its cultural traditions, adding that people across Manipur recognised and supported its distinctiveness.
He observed that smaller communities had often been denied their legitimate rights and treated disrespectfully by dominant groups in the past. However, he said, smaller communities were now increasingly asserting their rights and demanding recognition.
Stressing the need for inclusive governance and unity in Manipur, Joychandra proposed the establishment of a State Integration Council to safeguard the rights and interests of smaller communities.
He pointed out that the grievances of smaller communities were frequently neglected even when they organised protests demanding development and essential facilities. He further noted that these communities remained inadequately represented in the state’s governance structure and had struggled to secure representation in the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
He suggested that the Chief Minister should head the proposed State Integration Council, with representatives from all communities and prominent personalities from different parts of the state as members. Such a council, he said, would provide smaller communities with an institutional platform to raise their concerns and ensure that their grievances and demands received proper attention.
Recalling the past representation of the Kom community in the state government, including its representation in the ministerial portfolio of Forest, he expressed concern that the community was now struggling to secure even representation in the ADCs.
He warned that the Kom community, which had preserved its distinct identity over generations, could face further marginalisation if its concerns and demands continued to be overlooked.
Emphasising that Manipur is home to numerous communities, both large and small, Joychandra said every community deserved equal respect and recognition, irrespective of its population.
He urged the state government to establish the proposed State Integration Council without delay, stating that unity should not mean the loss of individual cultural identities.
Drawing an analogy with the diversity of rice varieties, fish, vegetables and other food items, each having its own distinct taste, he said every community also possessed unique cultural characteristics and traditions.
Differences between larger and smaller communities, he added, should never become a source of division but should instead be respected as part of Manipur’s diversity.
