IT News
Imphal, Aug 23:
Three of the ten Kuki MLAs in Manipur have publicly opposed the use of the term “Kuki-Zo” to describe their community. The MLAs—Vungzagin Valte of Thanlon Assembly Constituency, Ngursanglur Sanate of Tipaimukh Assembly Constituency, and LM Khaute, a former Director-General of Police and current MLA—have expressed their disapproval, calling for a more inclusive and representative nomenclature that respects the diverse identities within their communities.
According to a report in India Today, Vungzagin Valte, who represents the Thanlon Assembly Constituency, has identified himself as a member of the Paite Scheduled Tribe within the “Zomi” community. In his statement, Valte emphasized that the term “Zomi” is the most accurate expression of his people’s historical, cultural, and social identity. He voiced concerns that the label “Kuki-Zo” is non-inclusive and fails to acknowledge the distinct and unique identities of the various tribes he represents. According to Valte, this has caused significant discomfort among his constituents.
Valte reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the integrity of the collective identity of the Zomi, Kuki, and Hmar communities within his constituency. “I firmly believe that any term defining our identity must be inclusive and reflective of our diverse backgrounds. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, accept or endorse any term that does not respect the individuality and dignity of all the groups that form the fabric of my constituency,” Valte stated. He called for a nomenclature that unites all communities under a shared history while respecting their distinct identities.
Similarly, Ngursanglur Sanate, the MLA for Tipaimukh Assembly Constituency, released a press statement clarifying his position. Sanate expressed his commitment to the “Kuki-Zomi-Hmar” nomenclature, emphasizing that he has never endorsed, nor will he endorse, any term or platform that excludes the “Hmar” identity. His statement is a direct response to the ongoing debate over the proper terminology to describe the various tribes in Manipur. Sanate reiterated his dedication to advocating for the interests, dreams, and aspirations of all the communities within Pherzawl District, ensuring their identities are both respected and preserved.
LM Khaute, a former high-ranking police official and current MLA, also spoke out on the need for an inclusive terminology that encompasses all relevant identities within their community. Khaute highlighted that the term “Kuki-Zomi-Hmar” has consistently been used in previous press statements issued by the ten Kuki MLAs, and any attempt to exclude “Zomi” or other key identity terms would be unacceptable. “It has always been my endeavor to ensure the usage of a suitable and appropriate terminology to describe our identity,” Khaute stated, firmly rejecting any efforts to impose a narrower or exclusionary label on their diverse community.
The opposition of these three MLAs to the term “Kuki-Zo” underscores the complexities of identity politics in Manipur. Their stance reflects a broader call for inclusivity and respect for the rich tapestry of cultural and ethnic identities within the state. As the debate continues, the emphasis remains on finding a term that accurately represents the diverse communities while fostering unity and mutual respect.
