Zomi Council Condemns Indigenous Pillar, Terms It Divisive and Misleading

The Zomi Council has strongly objected to the erection of the “Indigenous Pillar” at Sawombung Khunjao in Imphal by the Federation of Haomee (FoH), calling it a misleading and divisive act that distorts Manipur’s history.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Zomi Council said the monument, which lists only 25 out of 33 recognized tribes in the state as indigenous dwellers, is “unacceptable, divisive and detrimental to mutual trust and unity” among Manipur’s indigenous communities.

“We, the Zomis, have been living on our ancestral lands for generations, preserving our culture and contributing tirelessly to governance, development, and social relations of the state,” the statement said, highlighting the contribution of Zomi leaders such as Shri T.C. Tiankham, who was the first non-Naga Cabinet Minister and the first Speaker of the Manipur Territorial Council.

The Council asserted that the Zomis comprising eight recognized tribes have played a vital role in shaping Manipur’s history and leadership. It said the FoH’s monument “distorts history and misleads the public,” demanding its immediate and permanent removal. The Council also urged FoH to issue a white paper clarifying its stand and to apologize publicly.

Calling on the state authorities to initiate legal action against the FoH leaders, the Zomi Council warned that shared heritage cannot be erased by “concocting history.” It added that the persistent attempts by “chauvinistic elements in the Imphal valley” to distort history and discriminate against Zomi people would be brought to the attention of the Central Government.