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
Rongmei, Kabui, Inpui: Grouped together (Population: 62,216).
Liangmai, Zeme, Kacha Naga: Grouped together (Population: 20,328).
Other Naga Tribes: Tangkhul (112,944), Mao (38,350), Maram (10,510), Poumai (78,249), Maring (17,361), and Thangal (1,200).
Kuki-Chin-Mizo Tribes: Thadou (115,045), Hmar (42,690), Paite (44,861), Vaiphei (27,791), and Zou (19,112).
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.
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