FIDM greets on World Indigenous Day, seeks minority status for Sanamahi religion
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 09 2026: The Federation of Indigenous People's Democratic Movement (FIDM) has extended greetings to the people on the occasion of World's Indigenous Day, observed on August 9, 2026 .

In a press release, FIDM paid respect to mothers who gave birth to more than five children and called for protection of small indigenous communities.

The federation said that in 1976, then Chief Minister Yangmaso Shaiza had recognized Sanamahi religion as a State religion, but subsequent Governments have neglected it and treated it as a cult.

Stating that there are about 3 lakh followers of Sanamahi religion who preserve their own culture, script and traditions without depending on others, FIDM demanded that the Government of India grant Religion Minority Status to Sanamahi Laining under the Constitution.

It said while big religions like Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Parsi are given large benefits, ignoring small religions is unfortunate.

It noted that many small communities have vanished after merging with larger groups, citing the examples of Cachari in Cachar and Tripuri in Tripura.

FIDM said Sanamahi followers number around 2,35,000 out of Manipur's 35 lakh population and India's 1.4 billion.

Due to family planning, the growth rate is declining and bearing only one or two children has become a trend, which is a concern for a small community.

It further appealed to include a separate Religion Column for Sanamahi in the census and urged the people to protect indigenous faith, culture and identity.

Comment