Assistance sought for Tai Shans
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 24 2023: Out of the around 6000 Myanmar people who fled into Kamjong, Manipur following heavy fighting in the neighbouring country, 1066 belong to the Tai-Shan community who are said to be ethnically related to the Meiteis.

Speaking to media persons at Keishampat today, International Tai Meitei (Kassay) Association advisor Laishram Memo Singh said that of the 6000 Myanmar refugees who fled into Kamjong till December 20, 1066 belong to the Tai-Shan community.

They are currently staying separate from Chin-Kuki refugees who too fled from the neighbouring country.

The Tai-Shans have been staying at Huiming Thana or Kongan Thana in Kamjong district, Memo said.

The Tai-Shans or Shannis are said to be closely related to Meiteis socially, culturally and genealogically.

"Tai-Shans are like our brothers and considering the extremely difficult situation they are facing at present, We, Meiteis ought to help them", he said.

International Tai Meitei (Kassay) Association president Maheshsana Rajkumar appealed to the State Government to extend financial help as well as relief materials to Shanni refugees from Myanmar who are currently taking shelter at Huiming Thana.

Since the Myanmar military captured political power on February 1, 2021 following a coup, a conflict situation marked by large-scale violence has gripped the neighbouring country.

"After the formation of the Tai Worldwide Group with communities who share close socio-economic and cultural affinities including the Meiteis and Tai-Shans of Upper Myanmar, we have been communicating with the Tai-Shans on the Myanmar crisis", Maheshsana said.

Tai people are spread in six countries.

In India, Tai people live in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and Yunnan province in China.

Tai people also live in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar, he said.

The total population of Tai people across the world is around 93 million, he said.

He then appealed to the people of Manipur to help the Tai-Shans currently taking shelter in the relief camps of Huiming Thana, Kamjong district with money and relief materials.

People may extend monetary aid to the Tai Shan refugees through International Tai Meitei (Kassay) Association general secretary Khagemba Luwang's Gpay no.9774495516 or through his bank account no 50170015662135, Bandhan Bank, Imphal Branch, IFSC Code: BDBL0001627 .

International Tai Meitei (Kassay) Association vice-president Phurailakpam Chandrakumar Sharma (Pyay Nyein) from Myanmar was also present at the press meet.

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