Koren (Koireng) which is considered as one of the smallest tribal populations having an estimate of around 3,000 people demanded a special status and adoption of the bicameral legislature in Manipur.
“The Koireng community is one of the smallest minority groups and it has no political space. The Koireng community and other minorities such as Aimol, Chothe and others are far left behind in terms of its socio-economy status,” said president of Koren (Koireng) Youth Organisation (KYO) RN Boipu Koireng.
He was speaking as the chief guest during the one-day cultural exchange programme of the Koireng tribe organised by the KYO under the theme ‘Exploring rich culture and excel our value and identity’ at Longa Koireng village in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday.
He pointed out that the Koireng tribe has existed since 33 AD and has been playing a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of Manipur despite its endangered population. “The Koirengs should be proud of it,” Boipu added.
He, however, contended that the Koireng tribe is being isolated from various government benefits due to absence of voice in politics and administrations.
Disintegration, division and hatred in a society arise when there is lack of differences in opportunities, unequal participation, he said. He further drew the attention of the state government to consider establishing a separate state commission for minority tribes in order to address their grievances.
He said that there is no faith left for the Koireng tribe if the present condition continues. The president stressed the need of setting up a protection mechanism by the state government to save the Koireng tribe, which is one of the indigenous groups of Manipur, from facing an extinction in the near future.
He also demanded recognition of the Koireng tribe as one of the endangered tribes of India.
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Concerning the cultural exchange programme, he said that it is a ‘wakeup call’ for the Koireng tribe to enhance, explore and educate their culture and tradition.
Former AMUCO president Y Yangsoso Koireng in speech compared a person who has lost its identity, culture and tradition to non-living things and cited the faith of the Moran community of Assam.
He further stressed the need to educate the youths on the culture and tradition in order to preserve and protect them. He also lauded KYO for taking up such a meaningful cultural exchange programme.
He narrated the origin of the Koireng tribe and lamented that the Central government has not given any protection to the Koireng tribe despite celebrating its 75 years of independence.
He encouraged the youngsters to never give up in their struggle in uplifting the status of the Koireng tribe. He called on all the Koireng youths to never hesitate in wearing their cultural attire and in following their rich tradition.
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The programme included events such as song, dance, indigenous games and sports, indigenous instrumental talent show, skills and other talent shows besides traditional attire show and ornament show for women and girls.
It was also attended by village chief of Longa Koireng SR Sosan, village chief of Sadu Koireng R Ngirrel and village chief of Ngairong Village S Roungneisen Koren as chief guests while 'luklakpa' of Longa Koireng Y Khelsoreng and 'luklakpa' of Sadu Koireng Khelsoreng Maite took part as guests of honour.
