Mary Kom

Imphal, Sept 02: Renowned boxer and former Rajya Sabha MP M.C. Mary Kom has penned a heartfelt letter to India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, pleading for intervention in safeguarding her tribe, the Kom, amidst the ongoing ethnic turmoil in Manipur.

In her letter, dated August 31, she passionately calls for security forces to remain impartial and prevent the “warring groups” from entering Kom villages.

The Kom community, one of the smallest minority tribes in Manipur, has traditionally adhered to a neutral stance and peacefully coexisted with every community, she explains. Mary Kom asserts that the Kom people are distinct from both the Nagas and Kukis.

The Kom tribe, classified as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, comprises approximately 14,500 members in Manipur, as per the 2011 census. Reports indicate that tribal organizations have been urging their people to maintain neutrality and refrain from becoming embroiled in the violence that commenced on May 3.

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In addition to the Kom tribe, several other smaller tribal communities, including Aimol, Chiru, Chothe, Kharam, and Koireng, are reportedly entangled in the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

In her letter, Mary Kom addresses the dire situation, stating, “It is to inform you that we (Kom) are not a part of the current Meitei & Kuki-Zo conflict, which started on May 3, 2023. Even so, we have been affected by the wave in several aspects though unseen. It should be noted that none of the Kom villages engage armed volunteers with bunkers, but because they are all dispersed between the two rivalling communities and in the periphery, there are always speculations and doubts against my community from both sides, and we are caught in the middle of all problems. The terrible thing is that, due to our weak internal administration and tiny size as a community among the minority tribes, we have not been able to stand against any forces that intrude (on) our jurisdiction.”

Mary Kom passionately appeals to both the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, imploring them not to involve or incite her community in any manner. She calls for peace and harmony among all the communities in Manipur.

Furthermore, she appeals to the central and state governments to prioritize finding a solution to the conflict for the sake of the populace and to save lives.

Previously, the former MP had voiced her concerns about the situation in Manipur on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Mary Kom’s heartfelt plea comes as a significant development in the efforts to quell the ongoing conflict and protect vulnerable tribal communities in Manipur.