“A blatant insult and total disrespect to the Maring people”: Maring Organisations Slams Federation of Haomee of distorting historical facts

Imphal: The Maring Frontal Organisations (MFO) have urged the Federation of Haomee and the Committee on Indigenous Pillar Construction to reconsider their decision to include Khoibu as a separate tribe in the recently unveiled Indigenous Pillar of Haoleipak, inaugurated on October 10, 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the MFO expressed “deep concern and disappointment” over what it described as a misrepresentation of historical and cultural facts. The organisations maintained that Khoibu is not a distinct tribe but an ancient and integral village of the Maring community, sharing the same linguistic, cultural, and historical identity.

The MFO recalled that it had previously submitted a formal letter (Ref. No. 21/MUA/2024) to the Federation of Haomee on July 10, 2024, appealing that Khoibu not be listed separately. The appeal, they said, was “ignored,” resulting in “considerable dismay” among the Maring people.

Citing examples of prominent personalities from Khoibu who have played vital roles in Maring institutions, the statement mentioned figures such as K. Koshang, the first Maring representative in the Naga National Council (NNC) and former president of the Maring Uparap Assembly; Reikimdar Khaling, an MCS officer; Ronglo Koshel, founding general secretary of the Maring Students’ Union (MSU); and Mosyel Syelsaangthyel Khaling, former MSU joint secretary and current CNPO Speaker. Others included Rev. S. Angpham, the first Maring Field Director of the MNBA; Ambika Hongsha, the first Maring missionary (1982–1984); and R. Momo of Biyang, the first Maring evangelist (since 1953).

The MFO emphasised that minor dialectical differences cannot justify a separate tribal identity, calling such classification “factually inaccurate” and “divisive.” The organisations accused certain sections of “blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Maring tribe,” alleging that the move was intended to “create artificial divisions where none existed” and undermine indigenous unity.

According to the statement, recognising Khoibu as an independent tribe “distorts historical facts and insults the collective identity of the Maring people.” The MFO further alleged that “some leaders in Manipur” were attempting to sow discord among the Marings for political motives, terming the move “a blatant insult and total disrespect to the Maring people.”

“The people of Khoibu village are inseparable from the Maring tribe — traditionally, culturally, linguistically, and historically,” the organisations stated, adding that even many individuals from Khoibu had opposed the idea of separate recognition.

Urging the Federation of Haomee and the committee to “rectify the error,” the MFO called for the restoration of factual accuracy in the Indigenous Pillar. The statement concluded that the monument’s value “depends on the truthfulness of its content,” and appealed for the preservation of unity and integrity among the indigenous communities of Haoleipak.