The Kom Tribe Organisation Valley (KTOV) has called for an immediate halt to the misrepresentation of Kom community’s traditional dress, voicing concern over its modification and wrongful claims by other groups. The organisation urged that any use of Kom attire should be accompanied by clear acknowledgement of its Kom origin.
Speaking to reporters at Kom Leikai, Sangaiprou, KTOV executive member Ajay Kom stressed that the Kom traditional dress is not just a garment but a cultural symbol with historical and mythological roots, believed to date back to a time when men and gods were connected. “We do not oppose others wearing our traditional dress, but it must be used with respect, dignity, and understanding,” he said.
Highlighting the sacred Pasepon (women’s attire), Ajay Kom noted that oral tradition credits Pi. Chongnu Kom with weaving it for the first time, inspired by the patterns of a snake’s skin. The cloth is considered sacred and is reserved for dances, songs, festivals and rituals. For generations, women of the community have preserved and woven it with reverence.
The KTOV cautioned that attempts by other communities to claim Kom attire as their own amount to cultural misrepresentation. It reaffirmed that Kom traditional dress is the rightful heritage of the Kom community and must be respected as such.