UZO Delhi Branch in Election nei, President ah K. Zou ching

K. ZOU, President UZO DB

New Delhi, Aug 14: August 13, 2013 nitahlam nai 7:30 in Mizoram House, Visant Vihar ah United Zou Organisation (UZO), Delhi Branch 2013-2017 sung a vaipaw ding lamkai telna um.  Tami hun ah Delhi mun a um innsuan apa teng, government service neiteng ban ah meithai innbul det neiteng in vote khietna nei uhi. 

UZO Delhi Branch ah vote nei mi 106 lah a mi 84 in vote khie uhi. President post ah Dr Philip Thanglienmang in vote 39 mu tuoleh Khamchinpau @ K. Zou @ Paunou in vote 45 mu a, K. Zou president di’n telching in um hi. Vice-President post ah Khakhai Zou in vote 48 mu a, Thongkhanthang in vote 34 mu hi. General Secretary post ah Kamlianlal Zou uncontest in ching. Joint Secretary ah T. Khamkhanchin @ Chinpu in vote 43 mu a, Chinliansiam in vote 39 mu. Secretary Organisation ah T. Zamminlun in vote 31 mu a, T. Ginmuanlal in vote 41 mu hi. Secy Info & Publicity ah Zamkhanthang Mate uncontest in ching a, Finance-cum-Treasurer ah Thongzakhai Zou in vote 38 mu a, T. Ginsuanlal in vote 43 mu. 

Tami election toh kisai a hing kalsuon Manglianthang President UZO GHQ, Vumchinkhup Vice President UZO GHQ, Jamngam Chief of Khuongkhaijang leh Ginsuanhau MLA Singngat te saina nuoi ah election lawching tah mai in neih in um hi. Tuaban ah tami hun hing uop Delhi a um Zou pastor teng jong kim diam uhi. 

Vote kikhiet zaw in Polling Officer a hing kalsuonte ban ah Pastor teng leh ZYO D/B President leh ZSP D/B President te’n vote simna nei khawm uhi.  Result puonkhiet ahinua in UZO GHQ Vice President Vumchinkhup khutnuoi ah kichiamna (oath-taking) neisah in um. Tuajaw in Rev. Dr. Langkhanthang Lianzaw in a telching a umte thumsahna nei hi. Result kisim kal in mipi te’n nitah ann kineh pan hi. GS Haupu lemgel siamna toh mipi te’n nitah ann gilva tah in amun a kine hi. 

UZO Block Election Programme 2013 kimu dan in 22/08/2013 chieng Behiang Block (Amun: Behiang), Haopi Block (Amun: Lunmual), Lamka Block (Zogal Hall), Tuining Block (Tuining), Gunpang Block (Khaukual), Kailamnuoi Block (Aina), Kana Block (Salem) leh Moreh Block (Moreh) ten Block Election nei ding uhi. Tualeh 23/08/2013 chieng Singngat Block (Amun: Singngat), Zotang Block (Muallum), Lentang Block (Daijang), Sugnu Block (Sugnu), Tuila Block (Sabuol) leh Imphal Block (Imphal) te’n Block Election nei ding uhi.

Gurgaon Lamte

In brief: UZO DELHI ELECTION RESULTS

President: Khamchinpau @ K. Zou @ Paunou 

Vice-President: Khakhai Zou 

General Secretary: Kamlianlal Zou 

Joint Secretary: T. Khamkhanchin @ Chinpu 

Secretary Organisation: T. Ginmuanlal 

Secy Info & Publicity: Zamkhanthang Mate 

Finance-cum-Treasurer:T. Ginsuanlal

PHOTO COVERAGE

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Joint Editor, ZOGAM TODAY

Khamchinpau Zou @ K. Zou: KI PAHTHUPUAN NA

New Delhi, the 14^th August, 2013

Khamchinpau Zou (K. ZOU), President, United Zou Organisation (UZO), Delhi Branch in tutung a UZO Election kinei na a, thutah leh ngaina tah a hing na kithuah pihte tung ah, ka lungdam thu ka hing puang hi. Koima khentuam neilou a Delhi a kum tampi  thei khamkham a imi isate a ding a ka na pan nua a, kum 2013-2017 sung a ding a i pawlpi  uh UZO Delhi Branch a vaipaw ding a nang teelna tung uah, ka kipahthu uh UZO Delhi Branch min in ka hing puang uhi.

 Tuaban ah koipou anai leh gamlat, sum leh pai sen khohsalou a, UZO lamkai teel ding a Gurgaon leh Noida a pat a hing pei khawm tengteng kung ah jong atuam in kipahthu kang puang kia sawn sawn uhi.

Pu Manglianthang President UZO GHQ, Pu Vumchinkhup Vice President UZO GHQ, Election a neh leh ta’h hing tuo sah Pu G.S Haupu Zou MLA Singngat, Pu Jamngam Chief of Khuongkhaijang leh Delhi a Zou Pastor teng in nguntah leh siangthou kilkel a Election ang bawl pieh jieh un jong kipahthu ka hing puang uhi.

Delhi UZO in thei tawp suo in bangma phual leh seel, mimal lunggul nate neilou in ka thei khamkham un Gam leh Nam a ding in kang pang ding uhi. Delhi hindan leh innlam hindan a kibat lou jieh in vaisaina lam ah koipou in hing na thei siem ding in jong kang ngen masa uhi. 

                                                      Teelching a umteng tang in,
                                                    Khamchinpau Zou @ K. Zou
                                                      President, UZO Delhi Branch

Gurgaon Flood | Gurgaon Tuilet

Tulai teng khawpi lam zong hawtui in ziel ei. Delhi apat gamla lou km 45 vel, Gurgaon (Haryana) a lampi poimaw mama khat ah guozuh zieh in tui kivei. Tami khu drainage system houlou zieh hidia gintat ahi. Tuaban ah Gurgaon gamsung ahileh phaiza’ng ngen ahi a, guo themkhat a zuh leh tui kivei depdup mai hi. 

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL, ZOGAM TODAY

 

Munirka Night Duty - Delhi Police

Delhi tuolpi sung a mun poimaw mama ei northeast mite tamna veng ‘Munirka’ a um Call Centre a sem ahilouleh zaan sawt nung a inn zuonte adia bitna a um sem theina di’n NE Helpline Delhi in Delhi Police kunga ngetna tam veipi bawl uhi. Tua dungzui in Munirka ah Police te’n night patrolling bawl panta uhi. Koi hileh zan sawtnung a lampi geilah leh verandah chi vel a bawl ding theilou a maw tou ahilouleh maw umte ban ah zukham a khawlai a buoina siem kichi mawng mawng Police night duty bawl te’n a tuoh kha uleh dan bangtah gawtna pieh hiding chi police officer-te apat thukiza hi. Tami’n northeast mite tungah muanna leh bitna a um theina dia panlahna ahi. Tami photo ahileh Zogam Today joint editor leh NE Helpline media incharge Bruce K. Thangkhal in police te’n night duty a bawl na uai chia ava dap etna’h police nih toh kituoh un, tuona a hing la ahi.

~ ZOGAM TODAY

Internet access in northeast to get a boost

Kolkata, Aug 12[sinlung]  Internet connectivity in the North-East is set to get the much-needed fillip.

In a boost to bilateral cooperation, the Bangladesh Government has granted in-principle approval to India’s proposal to connect Tripura with the international Internet gateway (South-East Asia – Middle East – Western Europe 4 cable system) passing through Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. Cox’s Bazar is 200-250 km from Tripura.

If implemented, this will help improve Internet services in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura. The region suffers from highly unstable tele-connectivity offered by the only optical fibre link, passing through Chicken’s Neck, to Kolkata.
Proposed route

According to the minutes of a bilateral meeting on telecom connectivity held on July 30, Bangladesh has expressed its “willingness to establish telecom connectivity not only with the north-eastern States of India but also with other land-locked countries such as Nepal and Bhutan.” The proposed connectivity would be through Chennai to the North-Eastern States (excluding Assam) via Cox’s Bazar, on submarine (deep sea) cable. Assam, which is catered through a dedicated line, is excluded from the route.

Geographical proximity of Cox’s Bazar to the north-eastern States and the location of Bangladesh’s only submarine cable landing station there (required for laying an optical fibre) were the two factors that were considered at the time of proposing the route connectivity plan.

It was also decided in the bilateral meeting that detailed technical and commercial aspects (of the route, cable requirements and so on) would be worked out jointly by state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and two Bangladesh government-owned companies: Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTCL) and Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Ltd (BSCCL).

BTCL and BSCCL are controlled by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

BSNL, on its part, has proposed the provisioning of optical cables to “zero point” at the India-Bangladesh border near Agartala (Tripura) and Akhaura (Bangladesh). The provisioning is expected to help establish better connectivity in two routes — one between Agartala and the submarine cable landing station at Cox’s Bazar and the second between Agartala and Dhaka.

BSNL will be leasing Internet bandwidth (in multiples of 10G) each from Bangladesh Submarine Cable Co and Bangladesh Telecommunications for the routes.

Closing: DMZP Sports Day Unites Mizo Students in Delhi

New Delhi, 10 August 2013: It was a joyful morning for Mizo students, both new and old, as they gathered at Thyagaraj Sports Complex in Delhi. By 8 a.m., members of the Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP) had arrived on time, eager for the day's events. The programme began with a humble prayer by Miss Lalrempuii Khiangte, a second-year LLB student at Delhi University and a committee member of DMZP. She prayed for blessings upon everyone present.

Thyagaraj Sports Complex, known for hosting sports and entertainment events, became a lively playground for Mizo boys and girls throughout the day. It was impressive to see students from different parts of the city arriving at the exact time and place. Perhaps they all had the same alarm clock—or maybe their love for sports brought them together. In a busy city like Delhi, waking up early for a 9 a.m. programme is no easy task!

The weather was unpredictable. The morning sun was bright and strong, but by noon, the sky turned cloudy, and later, it began to rain. However, this did not dampen the spirits of the DMZP members. They were excited to showcase their talents and skills, cheering, clapping, and shouting for their teams, regardless of the weather.

Football matches were held on the Thyagaraj football ground, while basketball games took place inside the complex. When the sun was too hot, some took shelter indoors, but when the weather cooled, they returned outside. The final football match continued even as the rain poured down, bringing relief to many.

No one went hungry or thirsty throughout the day. A small food stall was set up, managed by a group of four or five friendly and efficient girls. They sold chowmein, snacks, biscuits, water, and cold drinks, serving eager customers with a smile.

A curious sight caught everyone's attention—the Freshers team played football without shirts. Of course, they were not completely bare; they still wore their boots! When asked about this, Mr Lalramngheta Ngente, General Secretary of DMZP, explained, “Every year, the Freshers team does not wear shirts during football matches. It is a tradition passed down by our seniors, symbolising respect for them and promoting discipline among us.”

In the football final, Satya team lost to Aurobindo team. In basketball, the mixed North-Dwarka team defeated Safdarjung team. A friendly match between DMZP and JNU teams drew a large crowd, with JNU winning 3-2.

By 5 p.m., the events came to an end. Members lined up in groups for the closing ceremony. DMZP President V.L. Muanpuia Tochhawng took the microphone and led the final proceedings. Leaders of DMZP prepared the prizes while Sports Secretary H. Lalruatsanga compiled the results. The winners were announced, and members applauded as prizes were distributed.

Mr Zack Gangte, who recently completed his master’s in History from Delhi University, won the Best Player award. Mr Lalliansanga Chhangte, a Class XI student at Laxman Public School, Delhi, received the Most Valuable Player award.

In the 100-metre race, Mr P. Lalremsanga, a BA student at Delhi University, won first place. Mr Basil L. Khuma, an international tennis player from Mizoram who lives in Florida, came second, while Mr Samuel Lalrikhuma Sailo secured third place.

The day was filled with sportsmanship, joy, and unity, making it a memorable event for all.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Special Correspondent,
The Mizoram Post, Manipur Chronicle, Zogam Today

DMZP Fresher Sports 2013

Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP) organised Freshers Sports on Saturday at Thyagraraj Sports Complex, New Delhi where a large number of Mizo students participated in the daylong event.  

Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP) in 10 August 2013 ni’n Thyagraraj Sports Complex, New Delhi ah sunnitum in Freshers' Sports nei, kidemna tuomtuom jong nei uhi. Tami Sports Complex ahileh Delhi adia kimawlna munpi a minthang khat ahi. DMZP Gen Secy Mapuia Ngente gendan in tami Football Ground leh Basketball Court khelman in Rs 40,000 seng uh chi. DMZP Sports Secy  H. lalruatsanga in tami sports tungtawn a kimeltheina leh kitausemna a hing um thei ding deina toh kibawl ahi chi. 

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Special Correspondent for The Mizoram Post, Manipur Chronicle, Zogam Today

KSO GHQ Gen Secy toh KSO Delhi 'Kuki State' thu kihou

Manipur a Kuki Students Organisation (GHQ) General Secretary Sasang Vaiphei in KSO Delhi lamkaite leh mi phattuam ngai khenkhat August 9, 2013 nitah lamin JNU ah Kuki State demand thu leh KSO tungtang kikup khawmna neipi. Tami hun ah ngaihdan sung khawm uhi. 

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Joint Editor, Zogam Today

(Special Correspondent, The Mizoram Post & Manipur Chronicle)

Protest Against GMOs and Monsanto at Jantar Mantar

THOUSANDS of protesters from 20 states across India gathered at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on 8th August 2013, urging Parliament to ban Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), expel Monsanto from India, and withdraw the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill, 2013. The highlight of the event was an Indian flag made from organic fabric, free from Monsanto’s cotton seeds. The congregation presented this flag to the Prime Minister, requesting him to unfurl it on August 15th as a symbol of a GMO-free India.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Special Correspondent for The Mizoram Post, Manipur Chronicle, Zogam Today

Burmese observes 8888 Uprising Day in Delhi

New Delhi, August 8, 2013: Burmese people held a rally at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, to mark  the 25th anniversary of the 8888 Uprising.

Despite the rain, they stood firm, refusing to take shelter. Completely drenched, they continued their protest with determination.

Chanting slogans such as “We Want Democracy,” “We Need Human Rights,” “Abolish the 2008 Constitution,” and “Down with Tyranny,” the protesters demanded that the Burmese government listen to their voices.

August 8 is a significant day for the Burmese people, commemorating the 1988 nationwide uprising against the military dictatorship led by General Ne Win. Thousands of peaceful protesters were brutally killed, and the day is now remembered as “8888” or the “People’s Uprising in Burma.”

Dr. Tint Swe, a former Myanmar MP now in exile in India, stated that many demands from the democratic uprising remain unmet. He criticized the current government for failing to provide genuine democracy and human rights, urging continued efforts in the fight for freedom.

The protesters called for justice, demanding that those responsible for the killings in 1988 be held accountable. They also urged the government to scrap the 2008 Constitution and draft a new one that reflects democratic principles and the people’s will.

They further urged the government to initiate a genuine peace process and establish a Federal Union that guarantees ethnic nationalities the right to self-determination.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Special Correspondent for The Mizoram Post, Manipur Chronicle, Zogam Today

Delhi Doctors Demand Equal UG-PG Seats

By Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi, August 8, 2013 – Over 3,000 medical students, backed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Delhi Medical Association, staged a strong protest at Jantar Mantar on Thursday. The demonstrators urged the Union Health Ministry to equalize the number of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical seats and to integrate structured rural postings into internships and PG training.

In India, postgraduate education is crucial for doctors to specialise in various fields. However, the significant shortage of PG seats has led to a scarcity of specialists across the country. With many senior doctors approaching retirement, the health sector faces an alarming gap in specialist care.

Dr. Naveneet Motreja, coordinator of the Save the Doctor campaign, warned, “If this imbalance continues, India may soon be forced to import doctors, as seen in Brazil, which recently agreed to bring in 6,000 Cuban doctors under public pressure.”

Organisers noted that while India currently has about 45,600 UG seats (expected to rise to 50,000 soon), there are only around 12,000 PG seats. In comparison, the United States offers 19,000 UG seats and 32,000 PG and fellowship positions. With an annual graduation of nearly 40,000 doctors, competition for PG seats remains intense—over 110,000 candidates competed for just 12,000 PG spots under the last NEET PG entrance.

The protestors also addressed concerns over mandatory rural postings. Dr. Narendra Saini, IMA Secretary General, stated, “We support rural service, but there is no structured system in place. Every PG student should serve six months in rural areas as part of their training. Later, for each promotion, one year of rural posting can be mandated.”

The campaigners stressed that young doctors now spend nearly 13 years in education due to these imbalances, with career uncertainty and a strained healthcare system as consequences. They called for immediate reforms to ensure India does not face a deepening crisis in specialist medical care.

THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

Bandhs by Kukis, Nagas set to cripple Manipur

IMPHAL: The Kukis have called a 48-hour general strike from August 13 midnight demanding the creation of a separate 'Kuki state' by carving out the Kuki-inhabited portion of Manipur. The Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) on Wednesday said the general strike will be effective in the Kuki-inhabited areas of the state.

Prior to the Kukis' bandh, Manipur will witness another bandh by the Nagas. The United Naga Council (UNC), too, called a series of agitations, including a 48-hour general strike, from August 11 midnight in protest against the Centre's failure to hold the sixth round of tripartite talk on their demand for an alternative administrative arrangement for Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur.

The KSDC, an umbrella body of several Kuki organizations and village chiefs, said it will stop all government projects undertaken in 'Kuki areas' during the stir.

"Our demand is Kuki statehood, nothing more, nothing less. We will continue our movement till Kuki statehood is achieved," said KSDC information and publicity secretary George Kuki on Wednesday, while appealing all to support the bandh to avoid any untoward incident.

The KSDC has also been demanding the Centre to hold political dialogue with 20 Kuki militant outfits that are signatories to the ongoing Suspension of Operation (Soo) with the government. The Kuki militants are also demanding a separate Kuki state.

The KSDC's proposed 'Kuki State' map encompasses Kuki-inhabited areas covering around 65 per cent of the entire Manipur spread over five hill districts - Churachandpur, Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul.

Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel are however Naga-majority districts.

On the other hand, the UNC said the non-receipt of response from the Centre for holding the 6th round of tripartite talks involving the Centre, the state government and the Nagas on the demand for an alternative arrangement for Naga areas outside the state government was discussed in its meeting last Monday.

The fifth round tripartite talks was held at Senapati on February 12 this year.

Source:timesofindia

UPSC Civil Services (Prelim) Exam 2013 Result: Eimi

UPSC nuai ah Civil Services (Prelim) Exam 2013 Result a lohching theih khak teng kalmasa Friday (result suah ni) in kimlou deuh in hong kitak khia a, tunitan a theihchet a om te i taklang nawn ding. 

1. Vungngaihlian
2. Glory Singsit
3. Joel Haokip
4. S Benjamin Vaiphei
5. Samuel S. Vaiphei
6. Salvador Baite
7. Kamlalbel Neitham
8. N. Shohkhongam Baite
9. Satlianjoy Neitham
10. Letkholun Suantak.
11. William Serto
12. Esther Laltankim
13. Michael Fimliensang
14. Fimsanglien Tuollai
15. Isaac Zodinsang
16. John Buhril
17. Jacob Buhril
18. Zosanglur Zote
19. Lalringum Pulamte..
20. Teresa Hoihniang
21. Thangchinlian Ngaihte
22. Priscilla Tuboi
23. Kambiakkim
24. K. Lalbiakchhung
25. Benjamin D. Samte (President, SSPP JHQ Delhi)

Adang a theihbeh na om uleh amin uh gelh in hon comment suk leuchin kipahhuai mahmah ding.

Meiteis as Tribal

By Lt Col Laishram Lokendra Singh (Retd)

Imphal, August 7, 2013 [The Sangai Express]--- Armed with the knowledge and confidence that you Meitei are Hindu non- tribal as per what you have been taught to believe in Manipur, go to Hyderabad, Bangalore or for that matter Delhi and there you suddenly suffer the indignity of being referred to and treated as dog eating tribal of Manipur. You are taken aback and painfully try to explain that you are a chaste high class Hindu and your Gotra is Madhukallya or something like that and as per the Indian Constitution you are a general cadre Hindu supposedly at par with other Indians. With a total disbelief the other guy says, "Oh! You are not a tribal?" To how many Indians and for how long can you keep explaining that you are not a tribal when every mainland Indian takes it for granted that you are a tribal?

Fortunate are those Meiteis who have not left their habitat Manipur and exist with a blissfully ignorant feeling that they are no longer tribal when the world around them thinks otherwise. Manorama Year Book 2013 on page 605 while giving out list of tribals in India clearly mentions Meitei as a tribal of Manipur. In fact they are only calling a spade a spade.

June 2005, I had gone with my son and daughter to Safdarjung Enclave in New Delhi to look for a room on rent for the ensuing academic year. A property dealer had taken us to a particular house and the land lady looked at us from head to toe and said, "koi dhang ka admi nahi la sakta? " The three of us didn't utter a word and left the place quietly. I was sure in my mind that even if the land lady magnanimously gave a room for my children to stay on rent they would be racially discriminated by her and her family because of our Mangoloid features and looks synonymous with tribal of North East.

When a tribal is called a tribal there is no question of suffering any indignity. It is when somebody who believes is not a tribal and then he is bracketed within the ambit of tribal, that's when he feels painfully hurt. In this regard, it would be of extreme interest to know how the Meitei MP from Inner Parliamentary Constituency of Manipur is perceived and treated by his colleagues of mainland India. Going by the fact that he was a member of the team to submit a memorandum to PM Manmohan Singh demanding Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis, perhaps he has also gone through the indignity of being perceived as a tribal by his Indian colleagues.

Anthropologically and historically Meiteis who are indigenous early settlers of Manipur were tribals and still continue to practice tribal mores. Historically, TC Hodson in his book The Meitheis (1908) on page 8 says among others that on the occasion of the King ascending the throne (coronation) the Raja and Rani wore tribal dress. Today even after 3 centuries of having imbibed values of Hinduism and following some of their ways of worship yet Meiteis have largely not given up their animism tribal culture. As per tradition Meiteis build their house facing east and keep their house deity Sanamahi in the south western corner of the house. 

Even Bamon (Brahmin) do the same and no Hindu god is worshipped inside the house itself. Then there is the ancestral clan deity with different names such as "Yumjao Lairembi" in all localities adorned with an additional tribal ensemble perhaps symbolizing tribal roots. Sanamahi temple located at 1st MR premises is officially maintained under the State temple board. At Kangla the heart of Imphal after the Assam Rifles moved out "Pakhangba Temple" has been officially constructed and rituals are being carried out from time to time.

During the lunar month of Lamta (roughly corresponding to March), on Saturdays elderly women folk carry out Saroikhangba at road intersections where offerings are made to appease spirits to keep them away during the ensuing year. Again on Sajibu Nongma Panba, first day of Lunar month of Sajibu (roughly corresponding to April) New Year offerings are made to the house deity Sanamahi and Leimarel and cooked food is offered outside the gate to Lamaba Tumaba spirits. When a child is born the placenta is buried at home on the eastern/southern side of the house and on the 6th day Epan Thaba ritual is carried out before observing Swasti Puja. 

During marriage it is essential that Heijingpot ceremony is held prior to the actual conduct of the marriage itself wherein groom's party brings fruits along with eatables to the bride's residence and had together to formalize the agreement invoking God as witness to fix the marriage. On the day of the marriage offerings are first made to Sanamahi and clan/locality deity before commencement of the marriage. The bridegroom is received and welcomed by showering parched rice on a makeshift fire at the entrance of the bride's place. 

Again during the conduct of Shradh ritual on the 13th day after death or while observing death anniversary, offerings are first made to house deity Sanamahi before the ritual commences. During Holi celebration boys and girls do Thabal Chongba - dance collectively, and this carries on for days after Holi is over. Religious festival Laiharaoba or merry making with god is another tribal ritual in which the enactment of a particular tribal folk lore in tribal dress is an essential part of the ritual. These are just a few of the tribal customs/mores Meiteis still follow till date. This culture has a personality of its own, which pervades every aspect of life.

When mainland Indians, therefore, call Meitei a tribal, there should be no room for taking offence to it as they are calling a Mongoloid tribal a tribal. It is only due to reason of circumstances after Manipur merged with India and sometime in 1950 when the National Commission on Minorities inadequately/incorrectly collected/collated data based on which Meiteis were wrongly Constitutionally classified as non-tribal Hindus. In any case religion is not the criteria in this context. 

Other tribal of Manipur have become Christians - so called most advanced religion of the world, as per which tribal practices/customs have been done away with since the Bible does not allow it and western culture is being followed. Yet they are the recognised tribal of Manipur and Meiteis have suffered historical and Constitutional injustice now for more than half a century. Meiteis are a section of the community in Manipur convinced of the wholesomeness of its way of life and yet willing to change when faith and reason convince it that a change is necessary.

If therefore Meiteis are to live with dignity in India, the error in Indian Constitution of classifying tribal Meiteis as non-tribal should be corrected to undo the injustice done and a Constitutional provision made to provide legal protection and Constitutional safeguard to this 10 lakh odd Meiteis to exist with their customary tribal practices and rituals, by recognizing their original tribal status and declaring them as Scheduled Tribe in accordance with Article 366,342 of Indian Constitution.

It is tragic that Meiteis are projected by other tribals of Manipur as cunning non-tribal out to exploit and suppress simple, innocent tribal which is far from the truth. Further Meiteis are blamed for all the ills in their midst perhaps because the State capital Imphal which is the administrative hub and centre of economic activities of the State is seen to be developed vis-à-vis peripheral districts thereby projecting development in Manipur to be Meitei-centric which is again way off the mark and fodder for propaganda to create fissures between ethnic communities by vested interests. Perhaps we are not at war with each other but may be at conflict with Indian Constitution.

In the final analysis taking a cue from Thanglianpau Guite, General Secretary UPF who says, "perhaps the opportune time has come for all of us to think out of the box and change our parochial mindset in the interest of our collective survival"; this demand for undoing historical injustice and correcting the error from the Constitutional non-tribal status to the original scheduled tribe status to Meiteis should be the basis of a solution to our collective survival - the survival of all the indigenous people of Manipur as one fraternity, not only in India but also in this fast paced global world of 21st Century.

NB: Critical comments solicited at lokendra_laishram@yahoo.com