KUM reaffirms Kom identity, neutrality
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IMPHAL, May 20: The Kom community, though small in number, has through generations lived peacefully and harmoniously alongside all communities across Manipur and beyond. Throughout history, the strength, survival, and continuity of the Kom people have rested upon the principle of neutrality, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and non-alignment in communal conflicts, said the Kom Union Manipur in a statement today.
In a conflict-ridden society where smaller communities are often pressured to align with one bloc or another, the Kom community firmly reiterates that "Kom is Kom." "Our identity, future, and collective destiny shall not be dictated by external pressures, but by the collective wisdom, aspirations, and welfare of the Kom people themselves," KUM said.
Neutrality is not weakness; rather, it is a principled stand for peace, coexistence, and survival with dignity among all communities. The Kom people have historically maintained cordial relations with all communities, and this remains the enduring principle of the community through the ages, it said.
The Kom Union Manipur (KUM), being the apex and representative body of the Kom community, shall continue to guide, protect, and decide matters relating to the welfare, customary practices, identity, rights, and collective interests of the Kom people in accordance with the wishes and consent of the community, it said.
"The Kom community also firmly reaffirms that, in matters concerning the customary interests, welfare, and collective affairs of the Kom people, where formal law remains silent or undefined, KUM shall remain the guiding and governing authority of the community based upon the customary will, consensus, and collective wisdom of the Kom people," it added.
It further appealed to all sections of society to respect the historical position, neutrality, dignity, and distinct identity of the Kom community and to refrain from any act, pressure, or narrative that may disturb communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
"The Kom community remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, justice, neutrality, coexistence, and the protection of its distinct identity and collective interests," KUM said.
In a conflict-ridden society where smaller communities are often pressured to align with one bloc or another, the Kom community firmly reiterates that "Kom is Kom." "Our identity, future, and collective destiny shall not be dictated by external pressures, but by the collective wisdom, aspirations, and welfare of the Kom people themselves," KUM said.
Neutrality is not weakness; rather, it is a principled stand for peace, coexistence, and survival with dignity among all communities. The Kom people have historically maintained cordial relations with all communities, and this remains the enduring principle of the community through the ages, it said.
The Kom Union Manipur (KUM), being the apex and representative body of the Kom community, shall continue to guide, protect, and decide matters relating to the welfare, customary practices, identity, rights, and collective interests of the Kom people in accordance with the wishes and consent of the community, it said.
"The Kom community also firmly reaffirms that, in matters concerning the customary interests, welfare, and collective affairs of the Kom people, where formal law remains silent or undefined, KUM shall remain the guiding and governing authority of the community based upon the customary will, consensus, and collective wisdom of the Kom people," it added.
It further appealed to all sections of society to respect the historical position, neutrality, dignity, and distinct identity of the Kom community and to refrain from any act, pressure, or narrative that may disturb communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
"The Kom community remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, justice, neutrality, coexistence, and the protection of its distinct identity and collective interests," KUM said.