IMPHAL, Feb 13 ? No Koireng tribe leader in his lifetime would not be able to become an MLA in the 60 member Manipur Legislative Assembly. This was disclosed by most of the visitors during the inaugural function of Koireng (Koren) youth organisation (KYO), Manipur?s 38th general conference which began on February 10 at Ngairong village, 58 km south of Imphal in Churachandpur district.
?This has become a common comment from each every individual who has visited any of Koireng village in this trouble torn state in recent years? the president of KYO R Yangsosang felt.
The reason is obvious, Dr Dhanabir Laishram, a social activist observed, adding that the total population of Koireng (Koren) tribe in Manipur is around 2300 only that also scattered in four districts of the state including hill districts Churachandpur and Senapati.
There are seven major villages of Koireng (Koren) spread across Imphal West, Thoubal, Senapati and Churachandpur districts of Manipur. They are Longa-Koireng (Thanglong), Utonglok, Natok, Sadu, Koren-colony (Lamphelpat), Litan and Ngairong. There are also reports of a few Koireng families in other important district headquarters. But the number is minimal.
As a result common people residing in and around Koireng villages feel that disappearance of a black top road has become a common sight due to absence of it's representative in the state assembly. Of course, whenever you visit a Koireng village either in Imphal west district or even in Churachandpur district, the respective village will be disconnected from the main black topped lanes to reach the village. Instead you will find pathetic and dusty road condition.
Over and above it's tiny population, the living standard of the Koireng tribes is also not commendable though they have their own identity, cultural activities and customes since time immemorial. Another important characteristic of a Koireng village is it's location as most Koireng villages are located on the foothills. In an effort to uplift the Koireng youths in many fields, the KYO organised a five-day general conference at Ngairong village, the smallest Koireng village among all located in Churachandpur district.
?Not only the population factor, Koirengs are also facing another form of social or political discrimination? another Koren leader said. Most of the Koirengs also strongly denied the report that they are one of the major component in ?Komrem? group saying that they have their own traditional way of life apart from having it's own culture, identity and customes. Komrem is a common name or platform for some minor tribes including the Kom, Chiru and Aimols.