Tengnoupal: The Aimol Students’ Union, Manipur (ASU) has issued a strong condemnation regarding a press release by the Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) Headquarters (HQ) over its congratulatory note of few Kuki individuals for their success in the UPSC Civil Service (Main) Examination 2023. ASU stated that the KSO HQ inadvertently included Aimol candidate Songthu Christopher Aimol (AIR 921) in their list, falsely claiming him as a Kuki candidate.
Clarifying that the ASU Manipur issued two press releases — 1. CONGRATULATORY NOTE, 2. CONDEMNATION — on Tuesday, ASU president told Ukhrul Times that both the press releases were issued on April 16, 2024 from his office under the Department of Information & Publicity, ASU, Manipur.
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ASU, Manipur president S. Khupminthang Aimol also categorically said that the very act of misidentification by KSO HQ is a deliberate attempt to mislead people. Calling out the unsolicited propaganda over the UPSC CSE 2023 result, the president told Ukhrul Times that several attempts are made by the Kukis to mislead the general public, even calling out Kangpokpi District Facebook page for spreading false news to its audience.
The Aimol Students’ Union, Manipur clarified that Aimol is a distinct tribe with its own Tribe Union, Students’ Union, and Women’s Unions. The assertion that Aimol is part of the Kuki tribe is described as unfounded and baseless, with Aimol never being identified as a Kuki tribe historically, maintained ASU.
While urging KSO HQ to thoroughly review historical facts before making public statements, ASU Manipur criticized KSO HQ’s conduct as highly unethical, unprofessional, and tantamount to encroaching on another community’s identity. It also advised KSO HQ to focus on their professional responsibilities rather than making inaccurate statements regarding tribal identities.
Condemning the KSO HQ’s statement, ASU stated that such act is deceitful and potentially misleading to the general public. They emphasized that such remarks jeopardize the dignity and integrity of the Aimol community. It also appealed for the avoidance of dragging the Aimol Naga Tribe into conflicts and emphasized their commitment to maintaining neutrality since May 3rd, 2023.
In addition to this, ASU, Manipur president S. Khupminthang Aimol said that the Aimol Naga is a minority tribe of Manipur with a total population of just over 4000 in the state. According to him, there are at least nine Aimol tribe villages in Tengnoupal District, two villages under Loktak Project Area in Bishnupur District, and two villages in Kangpokpi District.
Tengnoupal district
1. Aimol Satu
2. Aimol Khunjai
3. Aimol Chingnuhut
4. Aimol Kumbirei
5. Aimol Tampak
6. Aimol Khodamphai
7. Aimol Ngairong
8. Aimol Khullen
9. Aimol Chandonpokpi
Loktak Project Area
1. Kha Aimol
2. Louchulbung
Kangpokpi District
1. Tuikang Aimol
2. Kharam Thadoi
It may be mentioned that all the three apex civil bodies of the Aimol Naga tribe are affiliated as under:
1. Aimol Tribe Union, Manipur affiliated to United Naga Council
2. Aimol Students’ Union affiliated to Naga Students’ Union Chandel, on the process of affiliation to All Naga Students’ Association Manipur
3. Aimol Numei Waar affiliated to Naga Women’s Union Manipur