Maring Uparap Assembly Appeals for Removal of ‘Khoibu’ as Separate Tribe from Indigenous Pillar of Haoleipak

The Maring Uparap Assembly (MUA) has issued a formal appeal to the Federation of Haomee and the Committee on Indigenous Pillar Construction, expressing deep concern over the inclusion of “Khoibu” as a separate tribe in the recently unveiled Indigenous Pillar of Haoleipak held on October 10, 2025.

In its statement, the MUA described the decision as “a source of significant dismay” to the Maring community, arguing that Khoibu is not a distinct tribe but an integral village of the Maring people — historically, linguistically, and culturally inseparable from the Maring tribe.

The MUA recalled that it had earlier submitted a formal letter on July 10, 2024, requesting that Khoibu not be listed separately. However, the concern was “totally ignored,” the organisation stated.

Citing Historical Leadership

The Assembly highlighted that Khoibu village has produced prominent leaders who represented the entire Maring community, including Sir K. Koshang, the first Maring representative in the Naga National Council and former President of the Maring Uparap Assembly, and Mrs. Reikimdar Khaling, an MCS officer. Other notable figures mentioned were Ronglo Koshel, Mr. Mosyel Syelsaangthel Khaling, Rev. S. Angpham, and Ambika Hongsha, all of whom served the Maring tribe in key leadership and missionary roles.

The MUA asserted that the claim of a separate tribal identity based on dialectical variations is “untenable,” as minor linguistic differences are common among tribal communities and do not justify separate ethnic classification.

Appeal for Rectification

The statement rejected the suggestion that Khoibu is a separate tribe as “factually inaccurate” and warned that the move could “cause considerable division within the community.” It termed the decision “a blatant and unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of the Maring Tribe.”

“The People of Khoibu village are inseparable from the Maring tribe, traditionally, culturally, linguistically, and historically,” the press release stated, adding that many from Khoibu still serve in various Maring organisations to this day.

Call for Unity and Integrity

The MUA accused certain leaders of deliberately sowing discord within the community and described such actions as “a blatant insult and total disrespect to the Maring people.” It urged the Federation of Haomee to reconsider its decision and uphold the “principles of indigenous integrity” the Indigenous Pillar was meant to represent.

The press release concluded with a call to “rectify this error” to preserve the unity and cultural integrity of the Maring tribe.