Memo to Kuki Christian Church (KCC) on Kuki Bible (e-version)

Bangalore :

Thadou Students' Association, Bengaluru
Motto: March forward
Email: tsab2906(at)gmail(dot)com

Ref. No.: TSA/Bang./GS/File/9-13 Date: 2013-09-29

MEMO To,
Dr T Lunkim
Admin Secretary,
Kuki Christian Church (KCC)
Church Road, PO Box-52,
Imphal 795001

Dear Dr Lunkim,

Subject: The name Kuki Bible (e-version) ads in various Media (online/offline).

With due respect, we would like to appreciate the Kuki Christian Church (KCC) in general and you in particular for initiating a project of making Bible in e-version for the Thadou-Kuki speaking community. As you are well aware, language controversy among the Thadou-Kuki community in Manipur with regards to the name 'Thadou' and 'Kuki' had been a dilemma for the last few decades.

The recent advertisement in various papers and online media regarding Kuki Bible(e-version) dumbfound the general public of all Kuki Tribes. This is a gross distortion of facts and truth and essentially unchristian. You may recall that in May 1964, you were selected/appointed as 'Translator' of the Holy Bible in Thado/Thadou dialect/language by the Bible Society of India, Bangalore.

After four years of struggle for translation of the living word of God from Hebrew and Greek to Thadou Language, wrongly terming Thadou language as Kuki Language without the consent of Kuki Tribes (All 22 Tribes) was vehemently condemned and opposed by Thadou Tribe and sister tribes as well at large. Its negative impact upon the Kukis need not be recounted.

The fact that Thadou Tribe or Thadou speaking being a single majority amongst Kuki does not mean Thadou is the Kuki common language as there has not been such a thing calle d Kuki common language thus far. If at all there will be a Kuki common language, it needs to be evolving, if not through a consensus, otherwise there will be irreparable serious ramifications as it can be imagined, given what has happened in the past.

As of now what needs to be accepted by one and all in Kuki public interest, putting aside a narrow and divisive approach, is that Kuki is not a language nor a tribe and therefore should not be referred to as such. After repetitive fights in Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench that was in 22/03/1977, 03/01/1981 and 03/02/1995 in favor of Thadou and Kuki language, it has been ordered that the language shall be called 'Thadou-Kuki' with immediate effect.

Since then Government of Manipur, Education Department strictly followed the court order and published 'Thadou-Kuki' as a Major Indian Language subject for Class X, Class XII and Under Graduate courses in 'Thadou-Kuki' language under the aegis of Thadou-Kuki Literature Society, Manipur.

Most importantly, we, the Thadou Students' Association, would like to appeal you, in Kuki public interests, to kindly rename the language to 'Thadou-Kuki' but not in Kuki Language before the release in convention and accordance with the latest court verdict on 03/02/1995. Also, TSA-GHQs have few questions regarding the use of the term 'Kuki' in Bible:-

1. What is Kuki Common Language Reference and who has given you the mandate to term Thadou/Thadou-Kuki Bible as Kuki Bible?

2. By (wrongly) terming Thadou-Kuki Bible as Kuki Bible, it is reducing Kuki to a Tribe status which means, other Kuki tribes, including Thadou, are not part of Kuki. Is this your position? If not, please clarify.

3. Does it mean one who cannot read the Kuki Bible is not a Kuki?

Thanking you,

On behalf of TSA Bengaluru branch,

Sd/-
TML Haokip) President TSA-B

Sd/-
Haolienlal Haokip) General Secretary TSA-B

Copy to:-
1. TTC-I/TSA-GHQ
2. Editor, Manipur based Newspaper Media-ET/TSE/HL/IFP/etc.
3. IAI- a South East Asia based Research Organization.
4. Relevant orgnisations
5. G/F

Sd/-
TML Haokip) President TSA-B

Sd/-
Haolienlal Haokip)
General Secretary TSA-B