Do not create confusion within Kabui/Rongmei community, cautions ZU (AMN)
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 17 2024: Reacting strongly to the press statement of Kabui Union which was published on August 15, 2024 in some local daily papers, the Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) has cautioned Kabui Union to not create chaos and confusion within the Kabui/Rongmei community by making irresponsible statements.

In a release, the Zeliangrong Union (AMN) alleged that the Kabui Union which was formed after the recognition of "Kabui Kariumei Phoam" by Union Assembly of Zeliangrong Union (AMN) on April 2, 2018, is an immature organisation floated by a few vested persons who does not know the history of their forefathers.

The ZU (AMN) asserted that the statements of the Kabui Union are not a mandated decision/opinion of the entire Kabui community living in the valley of Manipur and it does not have weightage.

"The Kabui and Rongmei have the same affinity in custom, culture, tradition, food habits, language, way of living, etc.

There is no distinction between Kabui and Rongmei as separate entities.

It is like a coin with two faces", it added.

The ZU (AMN) also mentioned that most of the hill dwellers who propagate Christianity fondly called themselves as Rongmei while the valley dwellers who propagate the indigenous religion fondly called themselves as Kabui.

"Those who like to call Kabui can use Kabui and Rongmei as well.

To this effect, the ZU (AMN) had issued an Office Memorandum in 2012 to enlighten the people from confusion on the use of Kabui or Rongmei.

The ZU has no objection to whoever likes to call themselves as Kabui or Rongmei", it added.

The ZU (AMN) also highlighted that it is well aware of the sentiment of Kabui Union following the Rongmei people charter declaration of January 9, 2018 and deaffiliation of Kabui Union as constituent unit by the UNC.

"But the strong reaction and its adversary statement of Kabui Union is uncalled for.

Kabui is a recognized tribe of India and recognized as Naga tribe since British era till today.

Any organization or element cannot abolish the affinity of Kabui and Naga", it added.

The ZU (AMN) further appealed to all ethnic communities/ individuals not to put wedge over the identity crisis of the Kabui/ Rongmei community or distort the history of the community.

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