FOH clarifies on "Old Kuki" tag to small indigenous tribes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 21 2023:
Federation of Haomee (FOH) has expressed its concern over the terming of small indigenous tribes of Manipur like the Anal, Aimol, Chiru, Chothe, Kom, Koireng, Lamkang, Moyon, Monsang, Purum and Tarao as Old Kuki by experts and intellectuals frequently in public platform.
In a release, FOH shared that these smaller indigenous communities almost became victims in the aftermath of the recent communal conflict in Manipur due to the "Old Kuki" tag assigned to them by some experts & intellectuals.
FOH pointed out that Anal, Aimol, Chiru, Chothe, Kom, Koireng, Lamkang, Moyon, Monsang, Purum and Tarao are indigenous tribes of Manipur and have been living in the State since time immemorial.
FOH continued that these communities also have the clan system (Yek Salai) just like the Meetei community.
The federation appealed to all concerned to refrain from calling these smaller indigenous tribes as "Old Kuki" to prevent any misunderstandings in the future.
Highlighting that the sudden outbreak of communal clash on May 3 has left thousands of people displaced and forced to take shelter in relief camps, FOH stated that the people are no longer interested in sweet talks, they are more concerned about their future and want effective protection.
FOH also asserted that due to the SoO, Central Forces deployed in the State have done nothing to deter the Kuki militants from torching and vandalizing the houses of Meetei villages.
"The Meetei people have no other option but to defend themselves against these armed Kuki militants", it added.
FOH also called the report submitted by the 10 Kuki MLAs to Union Home Minister Amit Shah that no tribal is left in the valley area after the recent communal clash as baseless & false.
Federation of Haomee further mentioned that all the tribals are living peacefully in the valley and urged the Kuki community to not play divisive card in the name of tribal.