HTC Slams ‘Indigenous Pillar’ as Symbol of Division; Reiterates Demand for Separate Administration

The Hill Tribal Council (HTC), Moreh, has strongly condemned the erection of a so-called “Indigenous Pillar” in Imphal by the Federation of Haomee, describing it as a blatant act of communal division and a distortion of Manipur’s history.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the HTC’s Department of Media and Information, the Council said the monument — inscribed with the names of selectively chosen communities — was a “public demonstration of division” and a clear provocation that deepens mistrust among Manipur’s already fractured communities.

“The complete silence of the State Government on this divisive act speaks volumes,” the statement read, alleging that the State’s inaction amounts to tacit endorsement of the Federation’s attempt to perpetuate animosity between the warring communities.

The HTC asserted that “history cannot be manipulated to suit one’s agenda”, and that no responsible government should allow the distortion of historical facts for political or communal gain. It warned that the “so-called Indigenous Pillar” has only widened the communal chasm in the state, rendering any future peace initiative “futile".

Also read: https://www.thehillsjournal.com/thadou-tribe-not-included-in-foh-indigenous-pillar-thadou-students-association-issues-clarification/

The Council further described the move by the Federation of Haomee as a “self-inflicted acknowledgment” of the Kuki-Zo people’s aspiration for complete separation from the state of Manipur.

“Since the Kuki-Zo have been massacred and driven out of the Inner Manipur valley, coexistence under one administration is now next to impossible,” the statement declared, adding that the forced displacement and annihilation of the Kuki-Zo people from the valley have “irreversibly divided” the state.

Reiterating its long-standing demand, the HTC urged the Government of India to immediately recognise the political aspiration of the Kuki-Zo people and to expedite the creation of a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature.

“The choice for complete physical separation made by the dominant community must be acknowledged,” the Council stated, asserting that direct administration of the Kuki-Zo hill areas by the Centre is now the only way to ensure lasting peace and protection of the hill people’s rights.

The HTC concluded that any attempt to downplay or justify such divisive actions as the “Indigenous Pillar” will only push Manipur further into irreversible disunity, warning that mutual coexistence under the current administrative setup is no longer feasible.