Longmai VA rues rumours on Rongmei woman
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 23 2025:
Longmai Village Authority (VA) has clarified that one Zillu Golmei, who belongs to the Rongmei (Kabui) tribe under the Naga community and a bonafide citizen of Longmai village under Noney district, changed her name to Zillu Paite after marriage to T James Paite.
In a release, Longmai VA chairman Kasaigai Gangmei informed that Zillu's husband James Paite, who served in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), passed away 13 years back.
Though Zillu adopted the surname Paite after her marriage to James, she has reconnected with her parental community (Rongmei Naga) following her husband's death, the chairman explained.
Recounting that on January 17, as Zillu Paite went to Kakching Khunou to meet her younger sister she was mistakenly identified by volunteers of the 59-Unit Arambai Tenggol as belonging to the Paite tribe (Kuki-Zo community) when she made a payment via G-Pay at a shop in Kakching.
However, upon verifying her identity as a member of the Rongmei (Kabui) Naga community and a permanent resident of Longmai-3, she was safely handed over to her family members, he related.
The village chairman expressed strong resentment that despite confirmation of her identity and the community she belongs to, false rumours are being circulated on the social media, misinterpreting her identity and causing unnecessary unrest.
As such the chairman urged everyone not to indulge in spreading misinformation to avoid exacerbating the prevailing tension between communities.
Highlighting the urgent need for understanding, empathy, and communal harmony in the state, Kasaigai Gangmei further called upon all to acknowledge the complexity of identities and circumstances, especially during times of conflict.
He also appealed to the public, community leaders, and civil society organisations to dispel misinformation and foster an environment of mutual respect and unity.
"Together let us strive for a peaceful and harmonious Manipur," the chairman stressed.