ZUCMV fumes over mislabelling Kabui-Rongmei people
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 16 2024: Zeliangrong United Committee Manipur Valley (ZUCMV) has issued stern warning to certain individuals who have been using the name of the social body to mislead the Rongmei-Kabui people.

In a statement, ZUCMV expressed strong resentment that these individuals are indulging in mockery directed against the genuine and indigenous people of Manipur, once an independent kingdom in the Southeast Asia.

ZUCMV also strongly condemned the recent claims made by these individuals in local newspapers, which it dismissed as concocted and fabricated as well as an attempt to undermine the true status of Yelhoumi (indigenous) people, by portraying them as newly born citizens of India.

ZUCMV categorically rejected the notion that Kabuis are not Nagas, labelling it a total lie aimed at destroying solidarity among the Nagas, which is well-documented in the historical records of Manipur and the British colonial period.

The committee emphasised that Kabui is a recognised Naga tribe in Northeast India, particularly in Manipur, where they reside in the western part of the state and have a significant population in the valley.

Further addressing the issue, ZUCMV denounced the claim that Kabui and Rongmei are separate tribes, calling it irresponsible and shameless.

The committee affirmed that Kabui (Rongmei) are one tribe, speaking the same dialect, and were originally registered as "Kabui" under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) Act of 1950.They clarified that the Kabuis, who moved down from the hill villages to the valley were, known by the Kingdom of Manipur, while others remained in the western sector.

ZUCMV also took issue over the separation of Kabui and Inpui in the Constitution Amendment (ST) Act of 2011, as displayed in the gazette notification dated January 9, 2012 while pointing out that in 1950, Kabui was recognised as a single tribe, combining Rongmei and Inpui/Puimei.

It affirmed that any attempt to deceive the common people with such fabrications will not succeed, as the truth will ultimately prevail.

The committee asserted that historical facts and written records are far superior to hearsay, and those who try to mislead the public will not be able to change the sentiments of the targeted community.

The committee issued a strong warning to those responsible, urging them not to repeat such baseless and unintelligent blunders in the future.

They cautioned that the contemporary society and future generations might be provoked to retaliate appropriately if such actions persist.

Additionally, ZUCMV appealed to villagers in the hills and plains to identify and report the individuals and families who support these misleading elements for easier identification.

In conclusion, ZUCMV reaffirmed that all Kabuis Jiving in Manipur are Nagas, dismissing the claims of a few self-styled leaders who argue otherwise.

The committee emphasised that Kabui community has always been a part of Naga history, which spans over 2000 years in Manipur.

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