Aimol is not Naga, Kuki: Chongom
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kakching, April 19 2015 : , APR 19 (HNS): The Aimol Community does not belong to either the Naga or Kuki groupings and Aimol will remain Aimol as recognized under the Indian Constitution, asserted the former President of Aimol Tribe Union, Manipur (ATUM) Chanthoi Chongom.

Chongom, who is also a member of 7-Aimol Tampak District Council Constituency, termed it "baseless and untrue" the recent declaration that Aimol is one of the Naga tribes as stated by the incumbent President of ATUM S Munthuireng Aimol.

"The Aimol does not belongs to Naga nor Kuki and it will remain as Aimol as recognized by the Government under the Indian Constitution", he said.

Chongom said that the issue of Aimol was not discussed nor any resolution adopted during the meetings held on April 6, 7, 8 and 11 last.

During these meetings, a resolution was adopted with regard to a land dispute between Aimol Chingsang and Saivom Villagers, he pointed out.

The former ATUM president also claimed that the meetings were attended only by the villagers of Aimol Chingsang Area as it was convened in connection with the land dispute.

On July 29, 2001, the people of Aimol Community in Manipur reaffirmed and unanimously resolved to honour the 'Principle of Neutrality' consisting six different policies in connection with "Aimol's National issue" in the house of the Aimol Tribe Union, Manipur held at Aimol Tampak.

Under the Principle, the policy of separate entity clearly stated that the nomenclature of the Aimol shall be Aimol as recognized under the Indian Constitution and no concoction, suffice and prefix shall be allowed to be inserted, said the former ATUM President.

He further maintained that in accordance with the policy of non-alignment under the Principle of Neutrality, the Aimol will "stand alone" as Aimol in any event and Aimol leaders, tribe presidents and any individuals "shall not enter into any agreement with any organizations, groups or community." As such, the Aimol's "national identity" and interests cannot be compromised and hijacked by any individuals or groups for their own vested interests, said Chongom.

While appealing all not to accept such "unacceptable declaration made by some vested individuals" and interfere in the issue, Chongom said that the people of Aimol will remain as Aimol and will continue to preserve "our unique customs and traditions" as Aimol.

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