The Arambai Tenggol (AT) on Tuesday stated that the NSCN (I-M)’s characterisation of the organisation as harbouring “strong animosity towards Christians, both in spirit and actions” is not only inaccurate but also misleading.
“While we respect all religions and the right to religious practice, we stand firmly against any form of covert or overt conversion that seeks to undermine or destroy the cultural and religious heritage of the indigenous people of Manipur,” stated a release.
Arambai Tenggol believes that “the cultural identity and traditional beliefs of our communities are integral to our collective identity and must be safeguarded against any external influences that threaten their continuity,” it stated.
It stated that through various initiatives and community engagements, Arambai Tenggol strives to foster a deep appreciation for the cultural roots and encourage the younger generation to take pride in their heritage.
“We strive to work collaboratively with local communities, cultural practitioners, and scholars to document, celebrate, and revitalize traditional practices, ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant in the modern world,” it mentioned.
“Our commitment is to create a strong, unified voice for the indigenous people of Manipur, advocating for their rights and promoting the preservation of their unique cultural legacy. By doing so, we aim to contribute to a diverse and culturally rich society where the heritage of every community is valued and protected,” it stated.
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It expressed surprise that the NSCN (I-M) has described the present violence in Manipur as a Meitei-Kuki-Zo ethnic conflict in a press communique issued on Monday.
“We firmly assert that the violence is, in fact, the aggression of Kuki refugees against the Meiteis, one of the indigenous people of Manipur,” it stated.
The NSCN (I-M)’s characterisation of the conflict overlooks the complex realities on the ground and misrepresents the nature of the aggression faced by the indigenous people of Manipur, especially the Meitei community, it stated.
The NSCN (I-M) seems unable to grasp the intricate socio-cultural and religious milieu that led to the emergence of Arambai Tenggol as a voluntary organisation, it stated.
“Our formation was not instigated by any particular individual but was a collective response to the pressing need to protect and preserve the socio-cultural and religious heritage of the indigenous people of Manipur,” it mentioned.
It further said that Arambai Tenggol arose as a voluntary organisation from the shared concerns and aspirations of the indigenous people of Manipur, particularly the Meitei community. “Our organisation represents a unified effort to safeguard our heritage and respond to external threats that seek to undermine our cultural identity,” it mentioned.
The socio-cultural and religious context of Manipur is deeply intertwined with the everyday lives of its indigenous people, and any threat to this delicate fabric necessitates a proactive and collective response, it stated.
Unfortunately, AT was compelled to defend the Meitei community against the backdrop of armed aggression by the Kuki refugees, it maintained.
“Many dedicated members of AT have sacrificed their lives in this defense. Under such circumstances, it is extremely unfortunate for the NSCN (I-M) to label AT as a ‘militant group’,” it stated.
“This mischaracterisation overlooks our true mission and the sacrifices made by our members in protecting our community and cultural heritage. We would like to assert again that Arambai Tenggol is a socio-cultural organisation dedicated to preserving and protecting the social and cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Manipur.
Our mission is to ensure that the rich traditions, customs, cultural and religious practices of Manipur’s indigenous communities are maintained and passed down through generations,” it stated.
