Youth Front Haomee clarifies Indigenous Pillar is inclusive, not divisive

The Youth Front of the Federation of Haomee (FoH) has clarified that the recently erected Indigenous Pillar at Sawombung Kabui Khunjao was not intended to exclude any community, including Muslims, or communities from the hills or valley.
The inscription on the pillar reads: “We Solemnised the Principle of 7 Yek-Salai.” According to the Youth Front, the phrase symbolises the historical unity of Manipur’s seven Yek-Salai (clans) and was never meant to create division or controversy. The organisation acknowledged, however, that a lack of public understanding of the term “Yek-Salai” has led to confusion and misinterpretation.
The Youth Front stated that the pillar was erected to uphold and protect the shared heritage of Manipur and to represent the contributions of all communities within the state. It added that 25 communities with Yek-Salai participated in building the monument, including members of the Muslim community.
The organisation also expressed concern over the circulation of misleading narratives in the media and certain quarters. It warned that individuals who helped in erecting the pillar have reportedly faced threats, urging that such activities be immediately stopped.
The statement, issued by Kh. Johnson, General Secretary of the Youth Front Haomee, reiterated that the Indigenous Pillar is a symbol of cultural unity among the 25 Yek-Salai groups under the Yelhoumee identity and is not a divisive or communal monument.