Imphal: The Federation of Haomee observed the inaugural Manipur Indigenous Day today at Sawombung Kabui Khunjao in Imphal East. FoH president Sapamcha Jadumani led the event, which drew community leaders and state dignitaries. Participants gathered for flag hoisting at the Indigenous Pillar, performed traditional rituals, and offered floral tributes. The program also featured cultural presentations and the debut of an indigenous song.
FoH vice-president Dr. K. Heera Kabui delivered the keynote address for the Kabui community. He described the observance as an "emergence awakening bell" and urged the 25 indigenous groups to move past old grievances and unite as one body. The Federation launched its Know Your Identity campaign in 2019 to spread awareness across villages and districts.
Dr. Kabui listed the state's indigenous communities as Aimol, Anal, Chiru, Chothe, Inpui, Kabui, Kharam, Khoibu, Koireng, Kom, Lamkang, Liangmei, Mao, Maram, Maring, Meetei, Monsang, Moyon, Poumai, Purum, Rongmei, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thangal, and Zeme. These groups maintain unique languages, ancestral beliefs, and traditional clothing while sharing common clan structures. He also highlighted Manipur’s history, citing its time as a sovereign kingdom, the lapse of British paramountcy, the 1949 Merger Agreement, and the achievement of statehood in 1972.
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