KSA decries misrepresentation in 'Manorama Yearbook 2024'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 01 2024: Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) has strongly condemned the misrepresentation of Manipur's history, particularly the May 3 conflict in the Manorama Year Book 2024, in an article penned by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) assistant professor Dr Thongkholal Haokip, who said it was caused by Meetei community.

As such, the student body would soon send a letter to the publisher, Malayala Manorama Co-Private Limited, urging for withdrawal of the article within seven days.

Addressing a press meet at its Khoyathong office on Friday, KSA president Sukham Bidyananda condemned Dr Thongkholal Haokip's attempts to misinterpret the history of Manipur and defame the Meetei community with regard to the prevailing conflict through the pages of the 59th edition of Manorama Year Book 2024, despite the fact that an investigation into the conflict is being conducted by a three-member committee led by the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court.

Bidyananda informed that on page number 104 of the book, Dr Thongk-holal detailed the conflict which began on May 3 last year claiming that a tribal solidarity peace rally was carried out in hill areas and a counter blockade against the rally was imposed in Imphal valley.

Participants of the rally in Churachandpur were on their way back when they are stopped in Kangvai area.

A scuffle ensued, which spark the first fire of the conflict and houses were burnt.

The violence soon spread to Moreh and border areas inhabited by Kukis, before spreading to Imphal in late afternoon.

The Manipur Police led a mob in attacking tribal colonies in Imphal, which resulted in a huge divide between the hills and the valley, making it difficult to bridge the gap.

Questioning how a counter blockade in Imphal valley will allow anyone to go to Kangvai, Bidyananda highlighted that aside from Kuki, the relationship with the other tribal communities is cordial and thriving.

As such, such an article, meant to defame the Meetei community and Manipur Police, should be removed from the Manorama Year Book.

Additionally, on page number 98, it is stated that the Meetei community migrated from the northwest border of China in the 13th and 14th century.

Such misrepresentation of Meetei community will not be tolerated and should be deleted from the book altogether, Bidyananda insisted, while informing that a letter will soon be sent to the publisher Malayala Manorama Co-Private Limited to withdraw the article within seven days.

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