Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 03:
Condemning the Khangsim village incident that occurred on February 1 night, Maring Uparup assembly has appealed to all concerned to refrain from activities that could further aggravate the situation.
Terming the incident as unfortunate the apex body of the Maring tribe said the incident was an outcome of some Maring youths giving vent to their anger over failure of Khoibu villagers to abide by the agreement signed between the MUA and leaders of Khoibu village on October 3, 2003 at Kangshang village of Chandel district.
Elaborating on the agreement, it said any process or programme of the Khoibus had to be kept in abeyance until an amicable solution is arrived at pertaining to study on true historical background of the Khoibu tribe.
However, the Khangsim villagers and other adjacent villages violated the agreement by holding annual Christian gathering under the banner of Khoibu Naga Baptist Association, which the MUA, in a press statement issued by its vice president Th Angrung, contended was against Christian ethics as the Assn is not recognised by MBC and CNBA.
The other cause of the incident is due to Khangsim villagers having engaged an armed organisation for security cover during the gathering, alleged the Maring body while observing that protection provided by the armed outfit during the annual gathering organised by KNBA is akin to recognising Khoibu tribe as a separate tribe.
The MUA had already warned any individual or group/organisation to desist from activities that could affect integrity and unity of Maring tribe as each and every Maring tribe upholds the culture, custom and tradition of the tribe very dearly, said the statement and highlighted that every Maring tribe including Khoibus have to preserve the culture, custom and tradition.
While asserting that the problem will be solve within the tribe, the MUA also refuted allegation published in State dailies saying Maring people had never coerced the Khoibus to stay within the Maring tribe.
Contending that Koshang Khaling and many other Khoibu individuals had worked and served several Maring bodies including the MUA, it questioned whether activities of many Khoibu people in Maring organisations in various capacities should also be construed as forced to join these organisations.
Hericoun concerned: Describing the rampage at the Khoibu village where over 25 houses were destroyed in inter-tribe feud as unfortunate, Ethno Heritage Council called upon all community to exercise restraint and refrain from such conduct in the future.