Manipur must move beyond competing ethnic histories, say scholars at Zomi book launch event
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 12 2026: The need to examine Manipur's history through evidence rather than competing ethnic narratives emerged as the central message at the launch of "Zomi: Reclaiming Identity and Brotherhood", a book coauthored by journalist Naorem Mohen and Anthony Naulak, at the Manipur Press Club on Monday.

Bringing together historians, scholars and community representatives at a time when the State continues to grapple with the consequences of the violence that began in May 2023, the programme highlighted the "importance of protecting distinct cultural identities without allowing historical disagreements to undermine coexistence and the possibility of a shared future" .

Former rebel leader RK Meghen and Dr Kiran Yendrembam attended the event as dignitaries.

"Zomi: Reclaiming Identity and Brotherhood" examines the historical roots of the Paite-Zomi community and its longstanding connections with Manipur, while seeking to encourage "further research into historical relationships that have often received limited attention in mainstream accounts of the State's past".

Reviewing the book, historian Dr Takhellambam Bhabhananda cautioned against interpreting historical narratives as instruments for establishing exclusive ethnic or territorial claims.

He observed that the term Zomi carries linguistic, cultural, ethnic and political significance for communities identifying with it, but the existence of a collective identity does not, by itself, establish exclusive ownership of territory, political sovereignty or a uniform historical experience among all communities associated with that identity.

Such questions, he said, require separate examination through historical documents, oral traditions, linguistic evidence and other available sources, with the same standards of verification applied to the historical claims of every community in Manipur.

History must be evidencebased.

not identity-driven," Dr Bhabhananda stated, adding that cultural identity must be protected without allowing ethnic exclusivity to destroy the foundations of coexistence.

He called for a shared Constitutional commitment that respects every community while recognising the interdependent character of Manipur's society.

RK Meghen reflected on the historical relationships among the Meiteis, Meitei Pangals and the diverse communities inhabiting the surrounding hills, emphasising the importance of recognising their distinct identities while understanding the political, social and cultural connections that have developed over generations.

His observations placed the question of Zomi identity within the broader historical experience of Manipur and the North East, where communities have maintained relationships across geographical and political boundaries.

Referring to the violence and displacement that have affected Manipur since May 2023, he underscored the need for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence rather than allowing contemporary divisions to determine how communities interpret their shared past.

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