FoH unveils Indigenous Pillar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 06 2025: The Federation of Haomee (FoH) today unveiled an Indigenous Pillar of 25 indigenous communities which have the Yek Salai system at Sawombung Kabui Khunjao, Imphal East.

Representatives of the 25 indigenous communities as well as leaders of different CSOs were present at the unveiling ceremony.

The Indigenous Pillar is boldly sculpted with the names of 25 indigenous communities of Manipur viz; Aimol, Anal, Chiru, Chothe, Inpui, Kabui, Kharam, Khoibu, Koireng, Kom, Lamkang, Liangmai, Mao, Maram, Maring, Meitei, Moyon, Monsang, Poumai, Purum, Rongmei, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thangal and Zeme.

A seven-coloured flag embossed with seven stars symbolising the seven Salais was also hoisted as the Indigenous Pillar was unveiled.

FoH vice president and construction committee (Indigenous Pillar) chairman Dr Kamei Heera Kabui said that he belongs to Mangang Yek Salai.

He said that the Indigenous Pillar was constructed with the primary objectives of preserving the Yek Salai system, promoting indigenous cultures and traditions, and fostering unity among all the indigenous communities.

He called upon all the indigenous communities to stand as one so as to protect 'Haoleipak, Kangleipak' from all kinds of threats and challenges.

"As long as we stand as one, no force will be able to challenge our integrity", Dr Kamei Heera Kabui said.

He said that the Indigenous Pillar unveiled today will help in strengthening the bond of brotherhood shared among all the25 indigenous communities.

All the 25 indigenous communities who are descendents of the seven Yek Salais must stand shoulder to shoulder and protect Manipur from all kinds of threats, he said.

He also called upon all the indigenous communities to work collectively so as to make Manipur a peaceful and progressive State.

FoH Core Committee Convenor Samuel Risom said, "The Indigenous Pillar sculpted with the names of the 25 indigenous communities show that we are all descendents of the seven Yek Salai" .

It also signifies the oneness of the indigenous communities, he added.

FoH president Sapamcha Jadumani said that the Indigenous Pillar was erected so that the indigenous people belonging to the seven Yek Salais can take a collective decision to protect Manipur in the face of the growing threats from foreigners and immigrants.

Meiteis alone cannot protect Manipur.

Neither Tangkhuls nor Kabuis nor Thangals nor Marings can protect Manipur alone.

Defending and protecting Manipur is the collective responsibility of all the indigenous communities, he asserted.

The Indigenous Pillar unveiled today will tell the whole world who the indigenous people of Manipur are, Jadumani asserted.

There are many non-indigenous communities who have been living together in peace and harmony with the indigenous people in Manipur, he said.

Even though they are not indigenous people, they are citizens of Manipur.

As such, all the citizens of Manipur, both indigenous and non-indigenous, must take the responsibility of protecting Manipur collectively, he added.

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