Imphal: Maheshwar Thounaojam has
raised concerns about a book
prescribed by the Council of
Higher Secondary School,
Manipur, for Class XI, alleging
that it contains a ‘fabricated’
history of the Kuki community.
During a media conference
at his residence in
Keishampat, Maheshwar emphasized
that a section in the
book titled ‘History of
Manipur’ distorts the Kuki’s
history, impacting students
who need accurate information
for a proper understanding
of historical facts.
Having escalated the issue
to Manipur Education Minister
Thounaojam Basantakumar,
Maheshwar stated, “The education
minister assured he will
review the book, and appropriate
action to ban it will be taken
in two to three days.”
Maheshwar elucidated the
distortion by showcasing the
book, specifically pointing to
a subheading titled “The
Kuki,” where it inaccurately
claims that some Kuki tribal
people migrated to Manipur
during the pre-historic period.
Disputing this, he highlighted
Manipur’s documented history
from 33 AD and referenced
James Johnstone’s
work, “Manipur and Naga
Hills (1896),” which places the
term ‘Kuki’ between 1830 and
1840.
He underscored that the
Anglo-Kuki War never occurred
in Manipur’s history,
citing an RTI reply from the
Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Expressing concern,
Maheshwar criticized the inclusion
of the Anglo-Kuki War
in Delhi University’s curriculum
and announced plans to
submit a paper to the university,
urging the removal of
what he deems ‘fabricated’
history.
