| caption: |
Gnamei tribe (Angamee); attempt by British to prevent attacks on weaker neighbours; lack of chief |
| text: |
North of the Mow tribe, and often at feud with it, lies the Gnamei, or as it is known in Assam and Cachar, the Angamee tribe. These (71) people are known by their blood-thirsty attacks on their weaker neighbours, attacks which attracted the attention of the British Government, and led to ineffectual endeavours for their prevention. "The Angamees, says Lieutenant Stewart, have no recognized head or chief although they elect a spokes-man who, to all intents and purposes, is powerless and irresponsible; hence the great difficulty we have had in dealing with this tribe, the arrangements made with the spokesman being set at nought by the villagers." The Gnameis are a numerous, but fortunately for their weak neighbours, a tribe disunited by feuds. The more powerful villages hold the others in subjection and exact tribute from them. |
