Meeteis+Kukis+Nagas: Foes or Friends

R Rungsung *

Mera Houchongba , re-affirming close bond and ties between hill and valley people at Sana Konung and Kangla on 18 October 2013 :: Pix - Gnet Cyber Cafe

Today, the Meeteis, the Kukis and the Nagas area swimming in the marshy and miry swamp of about 22 thousands square kilometers claiming its originative rights here and there in order to permanently establish ownership of lands plus closer relationship between the choice communities. (please refer RK Rajendro's comment and rejoinder of Kukis Research Forum - TSE 22, 25 - 2015).

If we go for establishing one's own originality, there will be more controversy, As such, let us turn to past historical events which were the same matters like our today's happenings. Some of them the listed below for our understanding. They are:

1. During the 19th century the KENNEDY family migrated to the USA from Ireland seeking greener pastures. And as a result John F. Kennedy became the president of the States (1961-63). Their families were rich and became prominent politicians.

2. BARACK OBAMA the president of the USA today, migrated from KENYA (Africa) during the 2nd part of 20th Century and now permanently settled in the state of Illinois. He is an African American permanently.

3. There are Indian Americans Governors, Senators, Doctors, Professor, Lawyers, Businessmen and workers in various fields and trades having permanent citizenship. Most of the USA citizens were migrated from Europe etc.

4. Many lacs of Indian Britishers are permanently living in the United Kingdom. Some are members of House of Lords and some are members of House of Common. Many are lawyers, professors, leading traders etc. etc. UK needs them. Also Pakistanis are there. (e.g. Sir Swaraj Paul in House of Lords).

5. Moreover, many lacs of Indian origins are permanently living in the South-East Asia countries. Are there any community members who were originally born here in Manipur from the time immemorial without migration? No, no one. Then who is the greatest among us? Who is the greatest in India? We came naked to this land.

Now coming to Manipur, we are in bad shape only thinking and running the race for self-defense. Meeteis demanding ILP, Nagas, claiming for Christianity and having peace talk with Indian government. The Kukis are rolling between two streams.

One question asking us is can any community displace or overthrow the other community? No. we have became one family and in deep waters. No one is above the others. Also, we need not mention nor claim past dark events, which will have counter-productive evil effects of opening past wounds.

The present face of communalism, we so perceived is like retaliation against religions. We can go against one another for selfish development, self-way of living above others, way of parasitical self-rule, and self oriented socio-economic culture etc. There is no room for fiefdom.

We never can have Brahminism and untouchabilities among the whole communities. Such ISM blocks the sanity of life and thus leads to crisis.

Let us remember the words of Abraham Lincoln during his presidency (1861-1856) that said, "four score and seven years age our forefathers brought forth us on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proportion that all men are created equal".

He further said at the close of American Civil War; "with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strife on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation wounds... and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations".

The question is Where are we today FOES OR FRIENDS? Can one community live alone? Let us completely shun SELF-ESTEEM.

Acting and thinking one-way will ultimately run down the drain.

Not the rich but let the good lead us to peace and prosperity for all.

We are one.