Hmar Inpui, the apex body representing the Hmar tribe, has strongly rejected the recent claims made by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. In a statement issued following Singh's address to the Manipur State Assembly on August 12, 2024, the Hmar Inpui labeled the Chief Minister’s remarks as "outrageous and baseless."
The Chief Minister's assertion that the Hmars are in contact with him was described by the Hmar Inpui as a falsehood intended to create discord among the united tribes amidst the ongoing crisis. The Inpui emphasized that any individuals or so-called leaders claiming to represent the Hmar community while engaging with Singh do so for their own interests and do not have the support or endorsement of the Hmar Inpui.
“Let it be unequivocally stated and known to all concerned that if any so-called Hmar leaders or politicians are engaging with N. Biren Singh, they are doing so solely out of their own vested interests. These individuals, whoever they may be, do not represent the Hmar community, nor do their actions have the recognition or endorsement of the Hmar Inpui. To suggest otherwise by making such baseless claim is not only ludicrous but also an insult to the collective integrity and unity of the Hmar people,” said a statement issued by the Hmar apex body.
The Hmar Inpui reiterated its unwavering solidarity with allied tribes and firmly rejected any attempts to divide them. The body accused the state government of tacitly supporting the ongoing ethnic cleansing and vowed to resist these efforts with full resolve.
“Let it be known to all that the Hmars stand in complete and unwavering solidarity with our agnate tribes. We categorically refuse to betray the cause that binds us together. We are brethren, united not just by our shared history and culture but also by the common pain and suffering inflicted upon us by those who seek to divide and destroy us. The ongoing ethnic cleansing, carried out with the tacit support of the state government, is a dark chapter in our history that we will continue to resist with all our might.”
The statement urged the Hmar people and their allied tribes to remain vigilant against divisive tactics and manipulation. The Inpui reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of their community, asserting that the Chief Minister’s claims are a desperate attempt to undermine their unity.
The Hmars have always stood for justice, peace, and the rights of all oppressed people. We remain committed to these principles and will continue to fight against the injustices perpetrated against our community and our brethren. The claim made by N. Biren Singh is nothing but a desperate move to drive a wedge between us, but he will fail, as nothing could be farther from the truth, it said.
The apex body further reiterated their commitment to stand firm in the face of adversity, to protect their people, and to ensure that justice prevails. The Hmars will not be intimidated, and we will not betray our cause, no matter the cost, it added.
The Hmar Inpui also condemned the current political dispensation and radical elements within the Meitei community, accusing them of perpetuating apartheid-like policies and distorting their history. The Inpui declared its intent to continue the fight against injustices and maintain their collective integrity despite the challenges they face.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
