ZB rejects KCC's claim on Kabui identity
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 22 2022: The Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB) has advised the Kabui Customary Council (KCC) to refrain from issuing "baseless and unfounded statement" in future particularly on the issue of "Gaan Ngai" festival.

A release by ZB publicity cell said the apprehension of KCC that Kabui may be wiped out by Zeliangrong is a totally wrong concept and asserted that Kabui will be there as long as Zeliangrong exist as Kabui is inseparable from Zeliangrong.

"The only difference between Zeliangrong and Kabui or any nomenclatures pertaining to the Zeliangrong community is only about government recognised versus unrecognised as separate tribes.

Although Zeliangrong is not recognised as a separate tribe, it is undeniable that Zeliangrong is a group of people originated from common ancestry which was already been proved beyond questionable doubt by the Anthropological Survey of India," it said.

The Cell maintained that religion is a choice of any individual but as one's root and origination is not a choice the apprehension of KCC that Kabui may be wiped out is not relevant to Zeliangrong community.

The ZB reminded that Zeliangrong is the largest tribal group in North Eastern Region of India and as such the KCC should not worry for the future of Kabui.

It also pointed out that "Gaan Ngai" festival is one the inherent festivals of Zeliangrong people for which the state government had granted recognition as one of the state festivals.

No doubt Zeliangrong people living in Manipur valley and Cachar valley of Assam have widely celebrated the "Gaan Ngai" festival every year being the followers of Zeliangrong indigenous religion compared to Zeliangrong people living in Manipur hills who mostly follow Christianity.

The Baudi also said KCC should not drag the name of union minister of state RK Ranjan Singh and speaker of Manipur State Assembly Y Khemchand Singh for their "Gaan Ngai" festival greetings stating that they know the origin of Kabui quite well that it is inseparable from Zeliangrong.

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