Bishnupriya Youth Body Asserts Separate Community Identity

The Bishnupriya Manipuri Youth Association (BMYA) has issued a public statement reaffirming that the Bishnupriya Manipuri community is an independent and distinct community with its own unique historical, linguistic, cultural, and social identity.

In a statement released on June 11, the association said the identity, traditions, language, cultural heritage, and community existence of the Bishnupriya Manipuri people have evolved independently. It stressed that the community should not be merged with or portrayed as a representative of any other community.

The organisation specifically stated that the Bishnupriya Manipuri community is neither synonymous with nor part of the Meitei community or the Meitei Pangal community. It said the community possesses its own language, culture, traditions, and heritage.

The statement was also issued for the information of members of the Thadou, Paite, Zou, Hmar, Vaiphei, Simte, Gangte, and other communities residing in Manipur.

BMYA further requested that the Bishnupriya Manipuri community should not be associated with, included in, or linked to any ethnic, communal, social, political, or other controversies, conflicts, movements, or disputed events taking place in Manipur.

According to the association, linking the community to such issues without a factual basis could misrepresent its identity and create unnecessary misunderstandings.

The organisation said it believes in peace, democratic values, social harmony, mutual respect, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence with all communities. It also stated that the community does not support hatred, hostility, or communal confrontation.

The association urged media organisations, researchers, public representatives, and citizens to respect the independent identity of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community and avoid unnecessarily associating it with ongoing conflicts or controversies in Manipur or elsewhere.

The statement concluded by emphasising that peace, respect, brotherhood, and truth-based dialogue are essential for building a brighter future for all communities.

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