War of Words Between Social Media Users from Kuki and Meitei Communities Over President Droupadi Murmu’s Shawl During Vienna Visit

President of India Droupadi Murmu's choice of shawl during her visit to Vienna on April 8 has sparked mixed reactions on social media, particularly among users from the Kuki and Meitei communities.

A war of words has erupted on various platforms, with both communities debating over the cultural origin of the shawl worn by the President.

Some social media users from the Kuki community have claimed that the shawl is the traditional Saipikhup, which belongs to the Kuki people. Several users posted a video of the President landing in Vienna, along with screenshots comparing her shawl to the Saipikhup, asserting that she was indeed wearing their traditional attire.

Expressing pride and joy, one Kuki social media user wrote:

"The choice of attire not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Kuki people but also symbolizes national recognition of indigenous traditions on a global platform."

Another Kuki-affiliated page shared the video with the caption:

"Today is a moment of immense pride for the Kuki community. Seeing the President wear our traditional shawl is more than a gesture—it’s a powerful recognition of our culture, our heritage, and our identity. This moment honors generations before us and inspires the ones to come. We are deeply grateful and proud to see traditions celebrated on such a significant platform."

When The Hills Journal approached a female student leader from the Kuki community for her opinion, she confidently stated:

"The shawl is cent percent Saipikhup. How can we fail to recognize what is ours?"

However, many social media users from the Meitei community, including their leader Khuraijam Athouba, denied the Kuki claim. In response to a tweet by Professor Thongkholal Haokip, which read, "How pleasing is it to see our President Smt. Droupadi Murmu wearing Saipikhup Shawl," Athouba tweeted:

"Even a professor can spread misinformation. Not every tribal shawl is a Kuki shawl.
For your kind information, I think the shawl in question is a traditional Sambalpuri shawl of the Odisha tribes, not a Kuki shawl.
To the Kuki professor from JNU, please stop spreading such misleading claims.
Let us also remember that the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, herself hails from Odisha and proudly represents its rich tribal heritage."

Additionally, other Meitei users claimed the shawl is not Kuki, but rather a tribal attire from Jharkhand, while some supported the view that it is a Sambalpuri shawl from Odisha.