Prof. Gangumei Kamei passes away at 77

Prof. Gangumei Kamei passes away at 77 Dimapur, January 5 (MExN): Prominent academic turned politician, Prof. Gangumei Kamei passed away at his residence in Imphal at around 8:15 am on January 5 at the age 77 years. He was a member of the North East Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, Government of India. A condolence meeting in his honour was held in the NEC Secretariat, Shillong

this morning. Born in Imphal on October 21, 1939, Professor Kamei was a historian and writer. He died of a terminal illness. Prof. Kamei was the founder President of the Federal Party of Manipur which was formed in the year 1993. He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the year 1995 and again in 2001 Manipur Assembly. He was the minister for Forest, Environment and Higher Education.

In 2012, Prof. Gangmumei Kamei joined the BJP and contested the outer Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency.

He was also President of Manipur History Society. He was the Coordinator of the Centre for Manipuri Studies and Tribal Research of Manipur University and in this capacity he guided a large number of research projects most of which were already published. The area of his specialization was regional history of Northeast India and history of Manipur. He wrote extensively on history, culture and contemporary issues of the region. He was the President of the Northeast India History Association (NEIHA) in its Kohima session of 1986.

Among his publications mention may be made of the following: A history of Modern Manipur (1826-2000), A history of Manipur: pre-colonial period, On History and Historiography of Manipur, History of Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu, Ethnicity and Social change (An anthology of essays), Lectures on History of Manipur.

He was also associated with several social and cultural bodies at the State and national level. He was a member of the Advisory Committee of the Anthropological Survey of India (1984-87). He was a member of the ICSSR panel on Tribal Studies.

In 2010, he was awarded by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, the Platinum Jubilee Samman for contribution to history and tribal culture. He was also awarded a National Fellowship by Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla (2010-2012).

The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) expressed sadness at the demise of Prof. Gangumei Kamei, describing him as “dynamic academician, an author, socio-political leader and religious reformer of his time.”

“His sacrifices and dedication for the Zeliangrong people is a milestone in the ‘Golden History’ of Zeliangrong Nagas,” stated the press note from the ZUF Information Secretary, A Longmei.

“With much of his legacy left for his people (us), the Zeliangrong United Front will uphold his dreams and aspirations to translate into reality. Let us march together without any differences to bring about the best he dreamt for the people,” the ZUF stated.

Meanwhile, a condolence message from NSCN (IM)’s Secretary of Zeliangrong Region Coordination Committee, DG Robert, stated that “Even though we acknowledge God’s timing to take him to be in His heavenly abode, his demise is great lost to Zeliangrong in particular and Nagas in general.”

Prof. Kamei, the message read, had led the Zeliangrong people with “utmost sincerity and dedication in various capacities.” While sharing strength and solace for the bereaved family, the Committee said it will cherish and appreciate the “selfless service” he had rendered through his life.

With input from agencies