Imphal: The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur, has issued a strong condemnation against the alleged involvement of certain Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the controversial “Indigenous Pillar” project, describing it as an “exclusionary and divisive” attempt to distort Manipur’s indigenous identity narrative. The UMPC, representing various Meitei-Pangal (Muslim) civil society organizations, has demanded immediate government action, accountability, and a judicial inquiry into the matter.
In a press communique dated October 15, 2025, issued by Md Jiaul Haque, Secretary (IPR) of the United Meitei-Pangal Committee, Manipur, the organization expressed its “deepest concern and outrage” over reports published by Ichel News Network on October 14, alleging that certain elected representatives had either directly or indirectly supported or financed the Federation of Haomee (FoH) for the construction of the so-called Indigenous Pillar at Sawombung Kabui Khul in Imphal East. The monument, according to the committee, has deliberately excluded the Meitei-Pangal community from Manipur’s indigenous identity framework.
“The report alleges that certain elected representatives have directly or indirectly extended support, including financial assistance, to the Federation of Haomee for the erection of the so-called Indigenous Pillar — a monument that has deliberately excluded the Meitei-Pangal (Muslim) community from Manipur’s indigenous identity narrative,” the statement said.
The UMPC recalled that it had already taken up lawful and democratic measures to address the issue. It had earlier written to the Governor of Manipur on September 10, 2025, strongly condemning the “exclusionary and divisive” nature of the monument. The committee’s letter called for “an immediate inquiry into the installation of the monument” and urged the government to either “remove or modify the pillar to ensure fair inclusion of all indigenous communities, including Meitei-Pangals.” It also sought the constitution of “an inclusive expert committee of historians, anthropologists, and community representatives to define indigeneity based on historical accuracy and equity.”
In addition to the letter, the UMPC had lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR) request with the Director General of Police on September 14, 2025, after what it described as defamatory and communally provocative actions by the Federation of Haomee. According to the committee, the FoH retaliated to their peaceful appeal by issuing a “false and communally provocative letter” on October 11, defaming UMPC members Raees Ahamed Tampak and Rivayuddin Bogimayum. “The letter contained hate-filled, unconstitutional, and defamatory content targeting the Meitei-Pangal community and attempted to delegitimize their historical indigeneity in Manipur — a matter recognized officially by the Government of Manipur through Gazette notifications,” the communique stated.
The UMPC said it has sought an FIR under Sections 194(1), 298, 356, 357(1)(b), and 357(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, requesting immediate investigation into the actions of the Federation of Haomee and protection for the targeted members. It further noted that the latest revelation of MLAs allegedly supporting the FoH was a matter of grave concern, “a deepening crisis of governance and communal harmony,” and in “direct contravention of Government of Manipur policy.”
“Such actions, if proven true, are tantamount to abetting communal polarization, contradicting the Government’s constitutional duty to protect all communities equally,” the UMPC said. It described the developments as “a betrayal of secular democratic principles, a violation of constitutional equality, and a threat to Manipur’s fragile social fabric,” especially in light of the state’s recent history of ethnic violence.
The committee urged the state government to immediately suspend and investigate any public representatives involved in supporting or funding the Federation of Haomee’s divisive activities. It also called for the “dismantling or modification” of the Indigenous Pillar, registration of FIRs against FoH office bearers for spreading communal hatred, and initiation of a state-level peace and reconciliation dialogue involving all communities to reaffirm unity and integrity in Manipur.
Reiterating its long-standing position, the UMPC appealed to the people of Manipur to stand united against divisive politics. “The Meitei-Pangal community has been an inseparable part of Manipur’s history for centuries — contributing to its social fabric, polity, economy, and shared culture,” the committee said. It called upon “all right-thinking citizens, civil society organizations, and community leaders to reject divisive narratives and stand united for peace, justice, and inclusivity.”
