Manipur: CoTU Condemns Abduction of 71-Year-Old Man in Sadar Hills Amid Rising Tensions

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction of 71-year-old Hemjang Haokip from Khunkho Kuki Village in the Sadar Hills region of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. According to statements released by the organization, the elderly man was taken from his village at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon by armed individuals suspected to be cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-Kamson) faction.^[1]

The situation rapidly escalated over the weekend as search operations, bolstered by security forces and sniffer dogs, led to the alarming discovery of clothes belonging to the abducted man near his farm.^[2] During the incident, reports indicate that a hut belonging to the elderly farmer was also burnt down by the perpetrators.^[3] In response to these developments, local village bodies have set a 24-hour deadline for his safe release, intensifying pressure on law enforcement and government authorities to trace his whereabouts.^[4]

Violation of Ceasefire Rules and Communal Harmony

CoTU has characterized the targeting of an elderly civilian as a deliberate and serious provocation designed to heighten communal tensions and disrupt the long-standing coexistence between the Kuki and Naga communities in the region.^[5] The committee drew direct links between this abduction and recent political developments in the state, specifically noting the recent suspension of an economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC).^[6]

A primary concern raised by CoTU is the brazen nature of the crime. The organization publicly questioned how armed cadres belonging to groups currently bound by official ceasefire agreements could allegedly operate openly with firearms in broad daylight.^[7] CoTU stressed that if the involvement of these factions is confirmed, it raises critical questions about compliance with established ceasefire ground rules and highlights a severe deterioration of the security apparatus in the Kangpokpi district.^[8]

Demands for State and Civil Intervention

Describing the abduction as an act engineered by vested interests to sow division, CoTU has launched an urgent appeal to civil society organizations, church leaders, and community elders across all communities to intervene on strict humanitarian grounds and facilitate Haokip’s immediate and safe release.^[9]

Furthermore, the committee has directed its demands to the highest levels of the state apparatus. CoTU urged Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the State Security Advisor, and local law enforcement agencies to register a formal case, launch an immediate, comprehensive rescue operation, and initiate stringent legal action against those responsible for the abduction and arson.^[10] While the specific identities and factional affiliations of the abductors remain subject to official verification, the incident has severely underscored the fragile nature of peace in peripheral tribal areas.

Footnotes

1. "Manipur: CoTU condemns alleged abduction of 71-year-old man in Sadar Hills," Northeast Now, October 4, 2026, https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-cotu-condemns-alleged-abduction-of-71-year-old-man-in-sadar-hills.html.

2. Kaybie Chongloi, "Manipur: Clothes of allegedly abducted 71-year-old Kuki man found; village body sets 24-hour release deadline," India Today NE, October 4, 2026, https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-clothes-of-allegedly-abducted-71-year-old-kuki-man-found-village-body-sets-24-hour-release-deadline-1458628-2026-10-04.

3. "Elderly Kuki Farmer Abducted, Hut Burnt - CoTU Blames NSCN-IM," Kukiland Express, October 4, 2026, https://kukilandexpress.in/elderly-kuki-farmer-abducted-hut/.

4. Chongloi, "Manipur: Clothes of allegedly abducted 71-year-old Kuki man found."

5. "CoTU Condemns Alleged Abduction of 71-Year-Old Man in Sadar Hills," ManipurArticles.com, October 4, 2026, https://manipurarticles.com/manipur-cotu-condemns-alleged-abduction-of-71-year-old-man-in-sadar-hills/.

6. "Manipur: CoTU condemns alleged abduction of 71-year-old man in Sadar Hills," Northeast Now.

7. "Manipur: CoTU condemns alleged abduction of 71-year-old man in Sadar Hills," Northeast Now.

8. "Elderly Kuki Farmer Abducted, Hut Burnt - CoTU Blames NSCN-IM," Kukiland Express.

9. "CoTU Condemns Alleged Abduction of 71-Year-Old Man in Sadar Hills," ManipurArticles.com.

10. "Manipur: CoTU condemns alleged abduction of 71-year-old man in Sadar Hills," Northeast Now.

Bibliography

Chongloi, Kaybie. "Manipur: Clothes of allegedly abducted 71-year-old Kuki man found; village body sets 24-hour release deadline." India Today NE. October 4, 2026. https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-clothes-of-allegedly-abducted-71-year-old-kuki-man-found-village-body-sets-24-hour-release-deadline-1458628-2026-10-04.

"CoTU Condemns Alleged Abduction of 71-Year-Old Man in Sadar Hills." ManipurArticles.com. October 4, 2026. https://manipurarticles.com/manipur-cotu-condemns-alleged-abduction-of-71-year-old-man-in-sadar-hills/.

"Elderly Kuki Farmer Abducted, Hut Burnt - CoTU Blames NSCN-IM." Kukiland Express. October 4, 2026. https://kukilandexpress.in/elderly-kuki-farmer-abducted-hut/.

"Manipur: CoTU condemns alleged abduction of 71-year-old man in Sadar Hills." Northeast Now. October 4, 2026. https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-cotu-condemns-alleged-abduction-of-71-year-old-man-in-sadar-hills.html.

Manipur Government Approves Rs 10 Lakh Compensation for Families of 49 Missing Persons

The Manipur state government has announced a one-time humanitarian compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of 49 individuals who remain missing following the outbreak of ethnic conflict in May 2023^[1]. The decision was formally approved during a state Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, with officials acknowledging the profound hardships faced by these families over the past year and a half.

Under standard legal procedures, a missing person is typically presumed dead only after seven years. Because the families lack official death certificates and postmortem reports, they have been entirely excluded from Central scheme benefits^[2]. However, recognizing that these families are enduring struggles comparable to the relatives of deceased victims—who also received Rs 10 lakh—the state government decided to extend the same financial assistance. The total financial implication of Rs 4.90 crore will be borne entirely by the Manipur state government.

While official records did not explicitly disclose the community profiles of the 49 missing individuals, local sources indicate that at least 33 belong to the Meitei community, with the remaining individuals belonging to the Naga and Kuki communities^[3]. Since the conflict began, more than 300 lives have been lost across the region.

Demands for Alternative Livelihoods

The financial assistance, while welcomed, has drawn calls for more sustainable long-term support. According to R.K. Bijayalaxmi Devi, president of the NGO Souls Offered Unitedly for a Lustrated Society (SOULS), almost all of the missing individuals—with the exception of four students—were the sole breadwinners for their households^[4].

Devi emphasized that Rs 10 lakh is insufficient to sustain these families permanently. The NGO has formally requested the government to provide government jobs to the next of kin, alongside alternative means of livelihood in the interim period^[5]. For months, these families have waited for closure and justice, previously unable to access standard relief packages due to the absence of official death documentation.

Enhanced Ex-Gratia for Security Forces and Additional Cabinet Decisions

In addition to humanitarian aid for civilian families, the Manipur Cabinet approved a substantial increase in ex-gratia payments for Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel killed or injured while operating in the state. Recognizing that central forces face the same operational risks as the state police, the government aligned their compensation rates accordingly:

• Death: Rs 10 lakh (up from Rs 2 lakh)

• Permanent Disability: Rs 2 lakh

• Grievous Injury: Rs 1 lakh

• Simple Injury: Rs 20,000 (up from Rs 10,000)

The Cabinet also approved the constitution of the Fifth Manipur State Finance Commission (spanning 2026-27 to 2030-31) and sanctioned a pension hike for retired journalists, raising their monthly pension from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.

Footnotes

1. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced; state govt to offer Rs 10 lakh to each family," Deccan Herald, accessed October 3, 2026, https://www.deccanherald.com/india/manipur/49-people-missing-since-manipur-conflict-remain-untraced-state-govt-to-offer-rs-10-lakh-to-each-family-4168437.

2. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

3. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

4. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

5. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

Bibliography

"49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced; state govt to offer Rs 10 lakh to each family." Deccan Herald. Accessed October 3, 2026. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/manipur/49-people-missing-since-manipur-conflict-remain-untraced-state-govt-to-offer-rs-10-lakh-to-each-family-4168437.

"Kin of Manipur’s 49 people missing since 2023 ethnic conflict to get ₹10 lakh each." The Hindu. October 2, 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manipur/kin-of-manipurs-49-people-missing-since-2023-ethnic-conflict-to-get-10-lakh-each/article71535748.ece.

"Manipur Cabinet approves Rs 10 lakh aid for kin of 49 missing since 2023 violence." India Today. October 1, 2026. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/manipur/story/manipur-cabinet-rs-10-lakh-aid-49-missing-2023-violence-3007774-2026-10-01.

Papers related to Zeliangrongpui, Rongmei (Kabui), Zeme, Liang and Mpui

 Rongmei

31-Aug-2018 Gender and Customary Law among Rongmei of Manipur an Ethnographic Study Pamei Roselima Kamei Sucheta Sen Chaudhuri

11-Jul-2016 Historical traditions religious beliefs and practices of the Rongmei tribes Budha kabui, K Jitendra Singh , M

11-Jul-2016 History and culture of the kabui Rongmei people of North East India Lamalu Thaimei Singh, G P

17-Dec-2015 Typological characteristics of Rongmei Gonmei, Guigongpou War, Juanita

20-Apr-2015 A study of socialization process among the rongmei nagas of Impal Manipur Konjengbam, Rashitombi Devi Gunadhor, S,

22-Jun-2016 The Primordial Songs of Commune Life in Barak Valley A Socio Cultural Investigation Special Context The Dimasa and Rongmei Tribes Indranil Dey Biswatosh Chowdhury

22-Jun-2016 Media Audit of Public Issues Critical Discourse Analysis of Select English Newspapers R. Royal Rongmei K. V. Nagaraj

03-Jun-2016 History and culture of the Maram Nagas _ a reconstruction from oral and folklore traditions Tiba, Th R Nag, Sajal

29-Apr-2014 The kabui nagas of Manipur: a study of identity and identity-crisis Aphun, Kamei Kumar, Anand

31-May-2016 Ethnobotanv of Jaintia and Rongmai Naga tribes settled in Barak valley Nath, Banasree Dutta, B K and Paul, S B

13-Oct-2014 The customary laws and practices of ruangmei kabui in Manipur Jangailu, Gangmei Singh, M Jitendra

11-Jul-2016 The ethnological study of the Liangmei Tribe of Manipur Thouchom Mina Devi Kunjeswori Devi, L

06-Apr-2016 Meta narratives of HIV positive intra venous drug users from Manipur catharsis for intervention an anthropological analysis Singh, Nongmeikapam Inaoba Mehta, Shalina

14-Jul-2016 Nominal phrase in Paite and English A contrastive study Muana, T K Khan, A G

08-Jun-2016 The syntactic structures of Maring Sunila Sharma, M Saratchandra Singh, N

21-Aug-2014 Zeliangrong movement in north east India Samson Kamei Burman J.J. Roy

31-Aug-2015 A STUDY OF THE SOCIO CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND VALUE PATTERNS OF THE ANGAMI NAGAS IN NAGAlAND KHOTOLE KHIEYA BUNO ZETSUVI, R.P. SHUKLA

13-Oct-2014 Impact assessment of micro finance institutions in the north east India with special reference to Manipur Lhouvum, Thangzamang Singh, W C

16-Dec-2015 Women in informal sector in Manipur A sociological study Chandam,Victoria Devi Rajaram,N

30-Jan-2017 Traditional religion of the Lotha Nagas and the impact of Christianity Ezung, Mhabeni Lotha, Y.Ben

29-May-2013 Systematic study of the plant species under acanthaceace family in the valley districts of Manipur Deshworjit Singh Ningombam Singh, Potsangbam Kumar

21-Apr-2016 Mass media in conflict zones a study based on daily newspapers published from Imphal Manipur Devi, Ksh. Chitrabhanu Mishra, Raghavendra

15-Jul-2016 Oral narratives of Ao Nagas constructing identity Longchar, Resenmenla Kanaka Durga, P S

23-Mar-2016 Epiphytic lichens their diversity distribution and air pollution sensitivity in Sonitpur district Assam Daimari, Rebecca Hoque , R R and Nayaka, S

21-Oct-2015 Studies on the vascular cambium and its derivatives in some primitive angiosperms of subtropical moist forest of Meghalaya Liangkuwang, M G Venugopal, N

17-Aug-2017 Studies into the distribution of medicinal flora of Lalganj subdivision of district Mirzapur Uttar Pradesh Tiwari, Mukta Singh, R H

31-May-2016 Lichen flora on betel nut host plant _ distribution diversity and assessment as air quality indicators in Cachar district Southern Assam North East India Bichitra Singha, A Rout, Jayashree and Upreti, D K

10-May-2018 Biodiversity of ants on selected horticultural plants their interspecific relationships and abiotic impacts Viyolla Pavana Pinto Reddy M.S.

17-Oct-2016 Studies on traditional plant resources and their management in North Cachar Hills Assam Medhi, Pramod Borthakur, S K

18-Apr-2017 Studies into the distribution of medical flora of Lalganj subdivision of district Mirzapur Uttar Pradesh Tiwari, Mukta Singh, R H and Singh, Rama Shankar

12-Apr-2018 Studies on wild medicinal flora of Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh Gwalwanshi, Daulat Ram Bishwas, Amit Jugnu

9-Feb-2015 ENHANCEMENT OF SECONDARY METABOLITE CONTENT IN TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA WILLD MIERS EX HOOK F THOMS THROUGH TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUE AND ASSESSMENT OF ITS BIOACTIVITY V. SIVAKUMAR Dr. M.S. DHANA RAJAN

14-Jul-2016 A descriptive grammar of Maram Pebam, Ibopishak Singh Ningomba, M S

18-May-2016 Ethno_medico botany of a few tribal communities in north Cachar hills district of Assam Sajem, Albert Lalduhawma Nath, Minaram and Rout, Jayashree

19-Apr-2018 Development and designing of health communication policies a case study of assam Bora Devajit Das Kandarpa

18-May-2016 Lichen flora of Cachar district Southern Assam with reference to occurrence distribution and its role as environmental bioindicators Das, Pulak Upreti, D K and Rout, Jayashree

28-Dec-2016 Methods for Efficient and Secure Service Availability in Peer to Peer Overlay Networks K HARI BABU Prof. Chittaranjan Hota

Kabui

20-Apr-2015 A Study on the pattern of the meitel and kabui naga boys of Manipur Pukharambam, Inakhunbi Devi Saratchandra Singh, K

29-Apr-2014 The kabui nagas of Manipur: a study of identity and identity-crisis Aphun, Kamei Kumar, Anand

11-Jul-2016 History and culture of the kabui Rongmei people of North East India Lamalu Thaimei Singh, G P

5-May-2015 Ethnobotanical studies of the Kabui and Monsang Naga tribes of Manipur State Devi, Mayanglambam Roma Dutta, Biman Kumar

20-Apr-2015 A study of the traditional subsistence pattern of the kabuis and its relationship with the prehistoric cultures of Manipur Manglembi Devi, Kh Nabakumar Singh, W

11-Jul-2016 Astudy of political history of Manipur from Pakhangba to Khagemba Laishram Basanti devi Gangmumei Kabui and Verma, L B

11-Jul-2016 Historical traditions religious beliefs and practices of the Rongmei tribes Budha kabui, K Jitendra Singh , M

21-Aug-2017 Vaiphei phonetics phonology and morphology a descriptive study Suantak Khawlsonkim Singh, S K

11-Jul-2016 A comparative study of the political system of the meiteis of Manipur with the Tais of south east Asia (From the 15th AD to 19TH century AD) Singh, Heisnam Nilakant Kabui, Gangmumei

13-Oct-2014 The customary laws and practices of ruangmei kabui in Manipur Jangailu, Gangmei Singh, M Jitendra

28-Sep-2017 Descriptive grammar of Kabui Tiwari, Surendra Kumar Bhat, D N Shankara

4-Jan-2016 Physical variation between two sections of the kabuis of Manipur and their ethnic position Singh, L Rajendra Das, B M

6-May-2014 Contesting geo-bodies and rise of sub nationalism in North-East India: a case study of nagas and khasis Ahmed, Rafiul Butola, B S

6-Apr-2016 Meta narratives of HIV positive intra venous drug users from Manipur catharsis for intervention an anthropological analysis Singh, Nongmeikapam Inaoba Mehta, Shalina

11-Jul-2016 The ethnological study of the Liangmei Tribe of Manipur Thouchom Mina Devi Kunjeswori Devi, L

13-Oct-2014 Religious beliefs and practices in meitei Speech Community Heloise, Sorokhaibam Devi, N Pramodini

1-May-2015 The muslims in manipur: a study in their history and culture Ahamad, Nazir Jitendra Singh, M

14-Jun-2017 Socio cultural life of the Kukis of Manipur a historical analysis Gangte, Thangkhomang S Bhowmick, P K

11-Jul-2016 A historical study of the traditional Manipuri Martial Art Kokngang singh, L Lokendra Singh, N

31-Dec-2015 Food culture and society among the people of Tangsas of Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh Mazumdar, Malaya Misra, P K

13-Oct-2014 A philosophical study of sanamahi religion Singh, Thoudam Keshorjit Singh, A Doredra

21-Aug-2014 Zeliangrong movement in north east India Samson Kamei Burman J.J. Roy

9-May-2015 A descriptive grammar of sadu koireng Waikhom, Kunjalata Devi Pramodini, N

13-Oct-2014 The religion of the meiteis: a historical perspective Devi, K Bidyarani Singh, M Jitendra

17-Dec-2015 The Manipur political agency with special reference to the frontier problem, 1836_1991 Kaba, Anthony Hussain, Imdad

31-Dec-2015 Ethnicity in Manipur_ experiences issues and perspectives Vashum, Lucy Thomas Ghosh, A K

31-Aug-2015 A Sociological Study of Political Elite in Manipur OINAM MOMOTON SINGH Kshetri Rajendra Singh

31-Jul-2014 Ethnic Identities : a case Study of relations between the Nagas and the Kukis 1826 1997 Tohing, S R Josh, Bhagwan

31-Dec-2013 The social dynamism of Shumang Lila of Manipur: a sociological analysis of some of its contemporary manifestations Singh, Kshetrimayum Imokanta Visvanathan, Susan

3-Nov-2016 Chronicles of kings a comparative study of the raghuvalfls riijataraligiqi cheitharol kumbaba Devi,Khwairakpam Renuka Roy,Kumkum

9-Jun-2016 Mayaichanba matamgi Manipuri sahityada imagery _Imagery in medieval Manipuri literature_ Singha, Seityabati Rajmani Singha, H

11-Jul-2016 A Historical study of Tourism in North East India with special reference to Manipur Wangkhem, Wilson Singh Kunjeswori Devi, L

17-Dec-2015 Geographical appraisal and impact assessment of Indo Myanmar boundary Imchen, Tsukjemchila Gopalakrishnan R

23-Aug-2017 Socio economic study of Manipur 1467 to 1891 A D Jyotirmoy Singh, W Sunita, Zaidi

11-Apr-2016 Socio religious movements among the Meiteis of Manipur a study of Sanamahi and Meitei christian movements Singh, Yumlembam Khogen Gill, Rajesh

13-Oct-2014 Language change in meiteiron Devi, Puyam Pusparani Devi, N Pramodini

24-Jun-2016 Cultural and Ecological Aspects of Plant Diversity of Imphal East Distrcit Manipur Bijayalaxmi Devi Aparajita De and PK Hajra

22-Dec-2014 Opening up the hills the politics of access along the northeast frontier of British India 1866 to 1942 Dzuvichu, Lipokmar Singha, Radhika

9-Jan-2014 Distribution and territoriality of ethnic dialects and patterns of inter-ethnic communication in Manipur : a development perpective Lhungdim, Hemkhothang. Ahmad, Aijazuddin

12-Feb-2015 Identity and ethnicity of Komrern people of Manipur: a specific focus on Kom tribe Akhup Alex Saldanha Denzil

5-Jan-2016 Imphal a study in urban geography Singh, Kh Yaima Taher, Mohammed

24-Dec-2014 Non government organizations NGOs in development a sociological study of selected NGOs in Manipur Niumai, Ajailiu Panini, M.N

24-Apr-2015 Geopolitical situation in Manipur national interests and local demands Naorem, Kishorchand Singh Deva Singh, N

18-Nov-2016 Socio religious and political movements in modern manipur 1934 51 Singh, Haorongbam Sudhirkumar Josh, Bhagwan

13-Jan-2014 Education and occupational mobility among the Hmars of Manipur Vanrammawi Ahmad, Karuna

1-Dec-2014 A Comparative study of manipuri and dimasa marriage systems in Barak Valley Singha, H. Joykumar Singh, N. Saratchandra

11-Jul-2016 A historical study of traditional Manipuri theatre Rangitabali, Waikhom Lokendra Singh, N

1-May-2015 Estimation of stature from different body dimensions among maring males of Manipur Naorem, Jibit Meitei Sorojini Devi, H

4-Jan-2016 Socio political institutions of the tangkhul with special reference to the western tangkhul of Manipur east district Ruivah, Khashim Goswami, M C

6-Mar-2014 Integration, development and the higher civil service in Manipur : a study of policies and policy makers (1978 - 1995) Singh, Nameirakpam Somorendro Arora, Balveer

21-Oct-2015 Womens participation in the Bodo movement Chaudhuri, Sucheta Sen Subba, T B

22-Dec-2014 Territorialities and Identities: North Eastern Frontier of the British Indian Empire Singh, Yengkhom Jilangamba Bhattacharya, Neeladri

16-Dec-2015 Women in informal sector in Manipur A sociological study Chandam,Victoria Devi Rajaram,N

21-Aug-2017 Opfu opelo the poetry and lore of mao naga folksongs Mao, K Nipuni Kharmawphlang, Desmond L

5-Oct-2017 A study of the social movements by the women civil society organizations in Manipur state Potsangbam, Koni Lawani, B T

6-Jan-2014 Cultural Study of Agra Region in the Perspective of Archaeological Excavations and Explorations Arakhita Pradhan Giriraj Kumar

5-Aug-2014 Large dams and the political dynamics in Northeast India: an exploration through the case of Manipur Singh, Kshetri Rajiv Rodrigues, Valerian

6-Mar-2018 Opfu opelo the poetry and lore of mao naga folksongs Mao, Nipuni K kharmawphlang, Desmond L

31-Dec-2015 Womens participation in the Bodo movement Sen, Sucheta Subba, T B

1-May-2015 Role of personal collections in promoting intellectual heritage in Manipur Ayekpam, Ithoi Devi Madhuri Devi, Th

19-Apr-2016 A Descriptive grammar of Inpui Devi, Waikhom Pinky Haokip, Pauthang

18-Oct-2016 A study of extrajudicial execution under section 4 a of the armed forces special powers act 1958 Begum, Anjuman Ara Baruah, Aparajita

2-Jan-2015 The NorthEastern region and India s diplomacy : a study of strategic, commercial and cultural factors Saikia, Pradip Singh, Swaran

14-Jul-2016 A descriptive grammar of Maram Pebam, Ibopishak Singh Ningomba, M S

18-May-2016 Ethno_medico botany of a few tribal communities in north Cachar hills district of Assam Sajem, Albert Lalduhawma Nath, Minaram and Rout, Jayashree

15-Sep-2011 Self-determination movement in Manipur Sharma, Hanjabam Shukhdeba Burman, J J Roy

21-Jan-2016 TOWARDS THE AESTHETIC OF TRIBAL DISCOURSE A STUDY OF THE DISMANTLING CENTER MARGIN BINARISM IN THE FICTION OF MAHASWETA DEVI AND GOPINATH MOHANTY Pawan Kumar Dr. Shiv Govind Puri

25-Apr-2018 ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES ON PLANT RESOURCES IN HOOGHLY DISTRICT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MEDICINAL PLANTS P r i y a n k a C h a t t e r j e e AMBARISH MUKHERJEE

The Indigenous Identity of the Rongmei Tribe: A Socio-Legal Analysis

Introduction

The discourse on indigenous identity in Northeast India is a complex tapestry of historical continuity and legal classification. Central to this discussion is the Rongmei Naga tribe, a group whose presence across Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam defines the regional socio-political landscape. As part of the broader Zeliangrong community—comprising the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei sub-tribes—the Rongmei people embody the criteria for "Indigenous Peoples" as framed by international standards and regional traditions.

I. Defining the Indigenous: Global and Local Frameworks

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) identifies indigenous peoples as distinctive groups with historical ties to a particular territory prior to later settlement or occupation.1 These groups are characterized by a close attachment to ancestral lands, the presence of customary institutions, and a distinct language.2 On an individual basis, an indigenous person is defined through self-identification and acceptance by the indigenous community.3

In the context of Manipur, "indigenous" status is often linked to the "Yek Salai" system—a clan classification historically recognized by the monarchy.4 The Manipur kings, starting from 33 CE, assigned this unique identity to indigenous communities.5 Consequently, those belonging to the recognized Yek Salais are regarded as the original inhabitants or "First Settlers" of the region.6

II. The Rongmei Tribe and the Zeliangrong Heritage

The Rongmei people are an integral part of the Zeliangrong collective, which emphasizes the common ancestry shared by the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei.7

• Ancestral Continuity: The Rongmei tribe maintains a deep historical connection to the hills of Manipur and adjacent areas in Nagaland and Assam.8

• Archaeological Ties: Scientific excavations at sites like the Tharon Cave—historically linked to the Liangmai Nagas—indicate human settlement in these hill regions dating back at least 23,000 to 25,000 years.9

• Historical Integration: The Rongmei (often grouped with Kabui and Inpui in older records) have been recognized as indigenous to the region for millennia, with a written history in Manipur stretching back over 3,000 years.10

III. Legal Status: The Scheduled Tribe List

While the Indian Constitution does not explicitly define "Indigenous People," Article 366(25) refers to "Scheduled Tribes" as those communities notified under Article 342.11 The Supreme Court of India has unequivocally asserted that "Scheduled Tribes are indigenous peoples of India."12 In Manipur, the legal recognition of tribes is cataloged through census records and presidential notifications.

Scheduled Tribes in Manipur (Selected Groups as per 2001 Census)13

1. Rongmei, Kabui, Inpui: Grouped together (Population: 62,216).

2. Liangmai, Zeme, Kacha Naga: Grouped together (Population: 20,328).

3. Other Naga Tribes: Tangkhul (112,944), Mao (38,350), Maram (10,510), Poumai (78,249), Maring (17,361), and Thangal (1,200).

4. Kuki-Chin-Mizo Tribes: Thadou (115,045), Hmar (42,690), Paite (44,861), Vaiphei (27,791), and Zou (19,112).

5. Neighbouring Groups: Aimol (3,643), Anal (13,853), Chiru (5,487), Chothe (2,675), Gangte (15,100), and Kom (15,467).

IV. Regional Nuances: Nagaland and Assam

The status of the Rongmei tribe varies across state borders, leading to complex identity debates.

• Nagaland: In Nagaland, the definition of an indigenous inhabitant is often strictly tied to "Naga blood" and birth within the state.14 Former Chief Minister S.C. Jamir noted that while a Naga from Manipur is indigenous in their home state, they do not automatically hold indigenous status in Nagaland.15

• Assam: In the Cachar and Dima Hasao districts of Assam, the Rongmei are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, maintaining their identity as part of the broader indigenous fabric of the state.

V. Land Rights and Customary Governance

For the Rongmei and their Zeliangrong kin, land is a sacred heritage. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms the right of such groups to own, use, and control lands traditionally possessed.16

• Ancestral Land Claims: Unlike groups historically categorized as "Aliens and Refugees" in British-era standing orders—such as specific Kuki settlements mentioned in the 1941 Standing Order—the Rongmei are recognized as original occupants with established ancestral villages.17

• Customary Institutions: The maintenance of distinct juridical and social systems is a key marker of Rongmei indigenous identity, allowing them to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions.18

Conclusion

The Rongmei tribe, alongside the Zeme and Liangmai, represents a cornerstone of indigenous heritage in Northeast India. Their identity is defined by a deep historical continuity in their ancestral lands and a robust cultural framework recognized by traditional systems like the Yek Salai. While the Indian legal framework focuses on the "Scheduled Tribe" designation, the Rongmei's claim to being "Indigenous" is rooted in millennia of residence and spiritual connection to the land.

---

Footnotes

1 Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Report on Indigenous Issues, May 2016.

2 Summary of Resolutions of Workshop on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Struggle for Right of Self-determination and Self-government in India, UN Doc. E/CN.4/sub.2/AC. 4/1994 /4/Add. 1.

3 UNPFII, Report on Indigenous Issues, 2016.

4 Federation of Haomee (FOH), Resolution on Indigenous Communities and the Yek Salai System, 2019.

5 Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947.

6 FOH, Resolution on Indigenous Communities, 2019.

7 M.T. Laiba, Geography of Manipur, (Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996).

8 Ibid.

9 O. Kumar Singh, Archaeological Finds in Manipur Caves, (Imphal: Anthropological Survey, 1983).

10 Laiba, Geography of Manipur, 1996.

11 Constitution of India, Art. 366(25).

12 Supreme Court of India, Kailas & Others v. State of Maharashtra, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, January 5, 2011.

13 Census of India 2001, Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur.

14 S.C. Jamir, "Speech at the Launch of Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum," Dimapur, October 27, 2019.

15 Ibid.

16 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Art. 26, 2007.

17 T.A. Sharp, Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar, July 23, 1941.

18 UNDRIP, Art. 34, 2007.

---

Bibliography

Census of India 2001. Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.

Government of India. The Constitution of India. Articles 342 and 366(25).

Jamir, Senayangba Chubatoshi. "Indigenous Identity in Nagaland." Keynote address at the Nagaland Indigenous People's Forum, Dimapur, October 27, 2019.

Laiba, M. T. Geography of Manipur. Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996.

Manipur State Darbar. Standing Orders of the President (PMSD). Orders No. 2 of 1933 and 1941.

Singh, O. Kumar. Prehistoric Archaeology of Manipur. Imphal: State Museum Publications, 1983.

United Nations General Assembly. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resolution 61/295. New York: UN, 2007.

United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Report of the Fifteenth Session. New York: UN, 2016.

---

Online Source Links

• UNPFII Report: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/unpfii-sessions-2/sixteenth-session.html

• UNDRIP Declaration: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf

• Supreme Court Judgment (Kailas v. State of Maharashtra): https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/37330.pdf

• Census of India (ST Manipur): https://censusindia.gov.in/census.website/data/census-tables

• Constitution of India (Article 342/366): https://www.constitutionofindia.net/articles/article-342-scheduled-tribes/