The tribes living in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Myanmar cannot be separated. Enough historical evidence are there to prove that these tribes living in region have a common history. The Meetei tribes are very closely related with the Khongjai, Lushai, and Paite (Sukte) living in Mizoram and Myanmar nowadays.
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| Chibu Stone Inscription, Tonjang Village in Churchandpur District Manipur. Picture Credit : Art & Culture Dept. Manipur |
When these tribes are living since generations, where is the question for a separate homeland or Territory? The question of Meetei concentrating only at Imphal Valley is a concocted history by self styled propaganda writers to create a separate homeland for the Kukis. The relationship of Meetei tribes with Khongjai, Lushai and Sukte (Paite) tribes need to be studied carefully for a united region.
Many historians are objecting to the use of word “Khongjai” as yelhoumee of Manipur. Some hinted that Khongjai came to exist in Manipur after Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (1819-1826). However, the Khongjai are living in Manipur much before that. During the reign of King Bhagyachandra (1787) several Khongjai chiefs living in Tuipui, Tuipong, Tuidong and Tuikha were punished for going against the loyalty of the Kingdom. This incident showed Khongjai were subject of Meetei king much before the reign of Bhagyachandra. Many of the Khongjai chiefs of Changsil, Nungsai, Nungtai, Tuiyai and Paron also came to show their respects to the King while he was returning from the expeditions. The King ordered his officers, Tensuba Dolai hanjaba to construct a new road from Kusu Valley to the Gwai (Barak) valley. Therefore the theory of Khongjai arriving in Manipur after 1826 is completely fictitious.
Manipur kingdom touched major parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Myanmar. As early as 1532, Manipuri attacked Tuisen which lies to the east of Aizawl, the Capital of Mizoram. The Chief of Tuisen, Langka Chakpa was captured and thereafter, the Tuisen gave tributes to the Meetei King, Kabomba.
