Who are the Indigenous People of Manipur ?
- Part 5 -

Dr. Khomdon Lisam *

(There was no Anglo Kuki War: Federation of Haomee
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 16 2019: The Federation of Haomee has claimed that there was no Anglo-Kuki War in the history of Manipur, and also demanded the Chief Minister to refrain from taking part in the so called centenary celebration of Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919 and the erection of monument stones at Saikul tomorrow as it will send a wrong message to the future generations.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Federation of Haomee president Sapamcha Jadumani said that during the said period (1917-1919) there was a rebellion wherein some Kuki sepoys took part in armed rebellion against the Government after they were used by Chingakham Sanajaoba, who claimed. )

the Inpui Naga Union, Manipur (INU-M), Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M), Rongmei Naga Council, Manipur (RNC-M) and Zeme Naga Council, Manipur (ZNC-M) have dismissed that "Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919 never happened in the history of Manipur or anywhere" .

Anglo-Kuki War fictitious, allege 4 Naga tribes
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, October 13 2019: Even as certain sections of the people are planning to organise programmes christened as "Commemoration of Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19" on October 17, 2019, the Inpui Naga Union, Manipur (INU-M), Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M), Rongmei Naga Council, Manipur (RNC-M) and Zeme Naga Council, Manipur (ZNC-M) have dismissed that "Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919 never happened in the history of Manipur or anywhere" .

Therefore, in a joint statement, the INU-M, LNC-M, RNC-M and ZNC-M "called upon the people of Manipur to closely watch over the sinister design hatched by Kuki brothers and plans to commemorate the so called 'Anglo-Kuki War' which never happened in the history of Manipur" .

The four apex Naga tribe organisations then urged the the people of Manipur to "stop it once and for all" .

The four Naga tribe organisations also called upon the State Government of Manipur and the concerned district authorities to stop the "sinister design" of the organisers of the "so called Commemoration of Anglo-Kuki War" .

The joint statement termed it as a "blatant lie" .

Cautioning that unwanted development may resurface any time in the hill areas of Manipur if such "provocations" are allowed to carry out in the Naga ancestral areas, and that the Government of Manipur will "ultimately" be responsible for any repercussion and undesirable consequences that may take place out of the issue.

According to the joint statement, memorial stones are being erected in the Naga ancestral land with the inscription "In defence of our ancestral land and freedom" .

The joint statement of the four Naga tribe bodies then pointed out that, before 1917 there was no established Kuki village in Manipur, and that "Kukis are landless people in Manipur" .

The joint statement then alleged that, in the hill areas in the present state of Manipur, the Kukis paid taxes to the Nagas for tilling the lands of Nagas because Kukis were not the owners of the lands "but landless people" in Manipur.

"Therefore, the design of the so called commemoration of 'Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919' is highly provocative and objectionable because it is an attempt to claim ownership over the Nagas' ancestral land in the Naga areas", the statement added.

According to the four Naga tribe bodies, there is no "Anglo-Kuki War" in the history of Manipur.

"There is Kuki Rebellion (1917-18) in the history.

It was started in December 1917 and brought under control in November 1918, a period of about one year," the joint statement also pointed out.

It then alleged that during the uprising, the Kukis had carried out attacks and killed civilians and burnt down houses in the Naga villages and in which they killed 289 Nagas and 4 Meiteis and burnt 34 Naga villages.

"They never attacked the Britishers.

So called 'Anglo-Kuki War' is not only a blatant lie but an attempt to cheating and misleading the people of today and the posterity of Manipur by distorting the history of Manipur", the joint statement of INU, LNC-M, RNC-M and ZNC-M stated
http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=4..141019.oct19

13.6.14. Erection fo Commemorative Pillar in all Kuki Villages in Memipur

13.6.15. Attempts to declare Kukis as Indigenous People of Manipur

Kukis are not the first settlers or natives or aboriginal ,

13.6.16. They also manoeuvred, destroyed and insulted the history of Masnipur. All these documents show that the Kukis are are foreigners, refugees , immigrants not indigenous people of Manipur. They. All these categories of people can be given citizenship of Manipur/India if they are found useful and loyal to the State. But they should show loyalty to the Manipur Government by detecting infiltrators, foreigners and help in deporting the infiltrators and foreigners to their home country with the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Foreigners Act-1947.

From the above mentioned docu,emts, it is very clear that a large section of Kukis inhabitng in Churachandpur, Moreh, Sajik Tampak, Jiribam and the Manipur valley are the dscendants of Foreigners and Refugee Kukis. Kukis do not have any ancestral land. All the Kukis whether Old or the New are not indigenous people of Manipur. They do not have the rights of the indigenous people of Manipur. They can not demand for a separate homeland or separate State or separate Territorial Council out of Manipur. The hidden agenda of the Gvernment of India is to encourage disunity, conflict among the various ethnic groups of Manipur and therefore they are very happy to deal with separate demands for Kukis.

15.6.13. On 22 January, 2013, Shri N, Biren Singh said " Kuki State Demand is legitimate or not ? Who are they? From where they come ? Are the Kukis the indigenous people of Manipur like Meiteis and Haos? Where was this tribe before British came to Manipur For me no no ---at any cost."

13.6.14. Use of highy communal tactics while dealing common issues with other ethnic cgroups

The Secretary Information & Publicity , Thadou Students Association issued a press note vide TSA/GMQ/2018/MR/03 dated 21 October, 2018 saying that the construction and the plan to establish a colony of valley people in the said hill tribal land to stop immediately and the land be handed back to the rightful ltraditional land owners as such activity hurting the sentiment of tribal land owner community is potential of causing a communal flare up. Such kind of immature outburst tend to damage the reputation of Kukis and the relationship between Kukis and other tribes.

Socrates said - 'Be true to thine own self'. Both Socrates and Plato said "Know thyself". The Kukis can not create a nation by manufacturing fake history and they will not be able to sleep peacefully by hurting the sentiments of the people. They should learn to respect the true history of a country if they prefer to live in peace. The Meiteis and the 23 other Communities respect the decision of the past kings of Manipur to give settlement to the Kukis in Manipur.

That means the Foreigner Kukis and Refugee Kukis can become the citizens of Manipur if they show loyalty to the Manipur Government. But they can not demand for a Separate State or Separate Homeland or Separate Territorial Council. Even though they came as foreigners and refugees, they can become Citizens of Manipur if they are honest and loyal to the Manipur Government.

The original Kukis have to identify other foreigner Kukis settled in Churachandpur district, Jirbam district, Sajik Tampak, Moreh etc. etc. They can intitiate the proposal for implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) and rigorous implementation of the Foreigners Act-1946. The genuine Kuki citzens of Manipur should be extra careful not to be carried away and work under machinations of foreigner Kukis. They should not misguide their Research Group and young people to read the fake history of Manipur.

The approach and strategy of the descendants of Foreigners and Refugees Kukis ia very shameful and insulting to the future generation of Kukis. The original Kukis particularly the Khongjais should advise them to stop manufacturing Fake history and should earn the trust and respect of the 24 other communities including the Meiteis and all the 33 ethnic communities should live peacefully by helping each other.

13. 14. Thadou, 15., 17. 18., 19. x; and 20. ( S Prim Vaiphei, "The Kukis", eds., N. Sanajaoba, Manipur: Past and Present, Vol. 3, 1995, p. 126.): The existing Kuki

The ethnic communities of Kuki Tribe ( Pathen Tonsot SONGPI ) are as follows :-
1. Aimol 2. Anal 3. Chiru 4. Chothe
5 Gangte 6. Hmar 7. Koirao 8. Koireng 9. Kom 10. Lamkang
11. Lushei 12.Maring 13. Monshang 14. Moyon
15. Paite 16. Purum 17. Ralte 18. Simte 19. Sunte 20.Thadou 21. Yaikhei 22. zou

However, the Federation of Haomees (FOH) claimed that out of 22 Kuki tribes so identified , 11 tribes belonged to the Nagas. The 11 tribes are - 1. Aimol 2. Anal 3. Chiru 4. Chothe 5.Koirao 6. Koireng 7. Kom 8. Lamkang 9. Maring 10. Monsang 11. Moyon.

2. Are the Kukis in Manipur Foreigners and Refugees

There are many proof and evidences that the Kukis in Manipur are foreigners and refugees. The danger of the Kukis is that they are indulging in the manufacture of FAKE histories to distort , destroy and discredit more than 2000 years old history of Manipur. The President of Kuki National Organisation (KNO) is the master of manufacturing FAKE History of Manipur. He published books containing Fake histories of Manipur and supplied the books to the authorities of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, security Personnel, United Nations, Government of India etc. to create misunderstanding and give a distorted picture of Manipur. The books are not meant for sale and for private circulation only .

2. What is the proof that the Kukis are foreigners ?

The Kukis themselves claimed that they migrated from Burma (now Myanmar ). The Standing order of the then President Manipur State Darbar issued by T. A. Sharp in his order reads "Kuki in the Naga areas in Manipur are Aliens ( foreigners ) and Refugees".

'They think that by creating fake history they will be able to influence the Government of India to give "Indigenous People's status" to the Kukis and their demand for a separate Kuki land. They originally belonged to Burma.( Myanmar). They should remember that 1000 lies can not make one truth. How dare they are in asserting that the Meitei King Taothingmang was a Kuki in 186 Skabda (264 AD)..In more than 50 instances, they bring out fake histories.

The Manipur historians do not comment to their fake history thinking that it is below their dignity to respond to such a big lie. Fake history can not bring love and respect. It can bring communal disharmony and conflict, which will disturb progress and peace. Why should they become so ungrateful to the Manipur Maharaja who gave them land and shelter free of cost and allowed them to settle. I do not believe that the Manipuri Kukis may not have the courage to fabricate such false histories, It must be foreigner Kukis who arrive at Manipur from Burma (Myanmar) after 1947.

4. What kind of Fake History has Mr. P.S Haokip written about Manipur ?

Why do the Foreigner Kuki need separate Homeland / Territorial Council in Manipur. Because they themselves knew that they are immigrants from Burma ( now Myanmar) and they are not indigenous people of Manipur. Only Meiteis ad Nagas are the indigenous people of Manipur.

The Kukis themselves available in Bangladesh, Assam, Manipur Meghalaya, Nagaland etc. Wherever available they claim to be the indigenous people of that country or State. They also claimed to be lost tribes (Manmashi ) of Israel and some 2000 kukis went to Israel for permanent Settlement.

The Standing Order of the by Captain Harvey and TA Sharp

Captain Harvey , President of the Manipur State Darbar issued a Standing order

No, 9th September 1933 declaring that " Kuki village having 20 household shall pay house taxof Rs. 6 per annum". T.A Sharp, President of the Manipur State Darbar issued a Standing order declaring that " Kukis in the Naga areas in Manipur are Aliens and Refugees". Standing Order of President of the Manipur State Darbar No. 2 of 23rd July, 1941 declared that " the Kukis shall obtain prior permission from the Chief of the Naga Village for settlement and pay house tax to the Naga Chief." The Government of India vide Memo no. P3/9/66 of Finance Ministry of Home Affaires (GOI) had agreed to the requisition of R. Suisa to grant the Kuki relieve fund or refugee fund under Memo and payment was made to the Kukis by the State Government of Manipur vide Memo No. 01/R/RFL in three instalment

Part-I
Order No. 11 of 18th August, 1931-Read " The Kukis shall not be issued fire arms because of savagery nature against the Nagas".

Part-II
Declared that " they shall be granted firearms on loan for protection against wild animals."Order No, 9th September 1933 declare that " Kuki village having 20 household shall pay house taxof Rs. 6 per annum"

Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar issued by T.A.Sharp in his order reads " Kukis in the Naga areas in Manipur are Aliens and Refugees"

Standing Order of of the PMSD (President of the Manipur State Darbar ) No. 2 of 23 th July, 1941 declared that " the Kukis shall obtain prior permission from the Chief of the Naga Village for settlement and pay house tax to the Naga Chief."

Note: The GOI ( Government of India agreed to the requisition of R. Suisa ( an eminent Naga leader) to grant the Kuki relieve fund or refugee fund under Memo P3/9/66 of Finance Ministry of Home Affaires (GOI) and payment made to the Kukis by the State Government of Manipur vide Memo No. 01/R/RFL

First Payment : 22/4/1957
2nd payment : 7/7/1959
3rd payment : 28/2/1966

On 22 January, 2013, Shri N, Biren Singh said " Kuki State Demand is legitimate or not ? Who are they? From where they come ? Are the Kukis the indigenous people of Manipur like Meiteis and Haos? Where was this tribe before British came to Manipur For me no no ---at any cost."

The Secretary Information & Publicity , Thadou Students Association issued a press note vide TSA/GMQ/2018/MR/03 dated 21 October , 2018 saying that the construction and the plan to establish a colony of valley people in the said hill tribal land to stop immediately and the land be handed back to the rightfultraditional land owners as such activity hurting the sentiment of tribal land owner community is potential of causing a communal flare up

Kukis are demanding Separate Territorial Council out of Manipur

The ethnic communities of Kuki Tribe ( Pathen Tonsot SONGPI ) which are recognised as Kukis as per are as follows :-

1. Aimol 2. Anal 3. Chiru 4. Chothe 5 Gangte
6. Hmar 7. Koirao 8. Koireng 9. Kom 10. Lamkang
11. Lushei 12. Maring 13. Monshang 14. Moyon
15. Paite 16. Purum 17. Ralte 18. Simte 19. Sunte
20. Thadou 21. Yaikhei 22. zou

However, the Federation of Haomees (FOH) claimed that out of 22 Kuki tribes so identified , 11 tribes belonged to the Nagas. The 11 tribes are -
1. Aimol 2. Anal 3. Chiru 4. Chothe
5. Koirao 6. Koireng 7. Kom
8. Lamkang 9. Maring 10. Monsang 11. Moyon.

The FOH claimed that these 11 tribes have Yek Salais given by the King and none of the Kuki tribes do not have Yek Salai. The Kukis came to Manipur from Burma (now Myanmar). They are foreigners and refugees whereas all the different communities of Nagas are Natives or Aboriginals, First Settlers and therefore Indigenous Peoples of Manipur.

On 25 June, 2019 the Tripartite Peace Talk between the two militant groups Kuki National Organisation and United Peoples Front representing 19 smaller militant groups presenting under Suspension of Operation (SoO) and the Government of India have agreed in Principle to have a separate Kuki Territorial Council on the lines of Bodos Territorial Council of Assam . The Government of India interlocutor Mr. AB Mathur and the Manipur Government Interlocutor Mr. Ibomcha were present in the Tripartite Meeting.

The FOH wondered how can the Government of India and the Manipur Government have Peace Talk with the Foreigner Kukis and Refugee Kukis without involvement of the Civil Society Organisations of Indigenous People of Manipur. Further the Bodos are the indigenous people of Assam whereas the Kukis in Manipur are foreigners and refugees. How can foreigner Kukis demand .

The FOH will fight tooth and nail to stop this Tripartite Talk by brining the historical facts to the Government of India and the Government of Manipur and implementing the National Registration of Citizens (NRC) based on 1951 Census and the Foreigners Act-1946 and the Foreigners Tribunal.


To be continued .....