NSCN/ GPRN on Tangkhul Meiteis

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM

Ministry of Information & Publicity

                    Press Statement

                      22nd Oct'2023

TANGKHULS AND MEITEIS ARE BROTHERS?

History says that the Nagas, the Meiteis and the Kukis come from a common history.They are brothers of Mongoloid family . This is a common knowledge. With respect to the much talk about the Tangkhul and Meitei brotherhood, history is very clear. The story is, however confined only to Hundung village and does not apply to the whole Tangkhuls. History has it that one Tangkhul brother from Hundung village went down to the present Imphal valley and settled down there to live with the Meitei community. A story also says there are cases where some Tangkhuls and other Naga tribes who were married to Kuki women settled in their land and lived with the Kuki community.

Points to understand

Whereas we cannot undermine the blood relationship of the Hundung royal family and the Meiteis, one should not take it too far to give wrong meaning. We should understand that all Tangkhuls are not part of Hungdung royal family.

Hungdung was one big village in the Tangkhul community that time. But that does not mean Hundung village represents the whole Tangkhuls. Therefore, the relationship is not about the Tangkhul and Meitei but Hundung village royal family and few Meitei salais(clans) and royal family in the Imphal valley.

Individual inter-tribal marriage never mean tribe-level bond when the relationship is only between the two families.

Naga people should not be carried away or misled by such propaganda by people with vested interest to dilute the sanctity and distinct Naga national identity.

In days gone by, the past generations traced their brotherhood only in blood line. But things have changed now, where ideological brotherhood and brotherhood in one faith counts. Pakistan and India, East Bengal and West Bengal come from the same blood line. They speak the same language and read the same scripts, but they were divided in the lines of religion and politics. 

We love our Meitei and Kuki brothers and sisters and we respect them. But we know we have been living here together without political foundation. We must live together, but on correct foundation. Apart from the common blood line, we must speak the same political language and profess the same faith. We must build our world on the foundation of a living history and not on concocted history.

All said and done, there is no feeling of antagonism towards the Meiteis and the Kukis as well. 

(Source: MIP, NSCN/GPRN)

TNL disown CM declaration

 

Tangkhul Naga Long disown Manipur CM declaration

(TNL is compelled to remind that it does not recognize the authority of N. Biren Singh to define the blood relation of the Tangkhul tribe- either as head of a State government or in his individual capacity: TNL)

The Dawn Tantak

UKHRUL,21 Oct'23:   THE apex body of  Tangkhul Community,, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL)disown the remarks and declaration made by Chief Minister N.Biren Singh on his recent visits at Ukhrul Headquarter on 18th October last .

IN a press communique made available to this Journalist Qr. David K Shimray, President of Tangkhul Naga Long clarified that the TNL is constrained to issue this statement to clear the air in the backdrop of widespread public outrage and confusion regarding the visit of N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, to Ukhrul on 18th October 2023 and related activities thereof.

TNL as the apex Tangkhul body is in no way connected to the State Cabinet meeting held in Ukhrul during the CM's visit. It is also not a party to the joint memorandum submitted by certain Tangkhul CSOs, TNL welcome and appreciate every move by the state government regarding development works in the district. At the same time, it must be understood that the State government is merely doing its mandated duty and not bestowing any extraordinary largesse to us.

( Qr. David K Shimray, President TNL)

Nevertheless, regarding the public declaration by the CM about Tangkhul and Meitei being brothers, TNL is compelled to remind that it does not recognize the authority of N. Biren Singh to define the blood relation of the Tangkhul trib- either as head of a State government or in his individual capacity .

Further the statement clarified that such a declaration holds no bearing for and meaning of TNL. TNL also does not dismiss or disregard instances of relationships between certain families or clans of Tangkhul and Meitei communities. However, trying to blanket the entire Tangkhul community under such stray historical and genealogical definition is bereft of any sound logic.

The press statement further amplified that TNL and the Tangkhul community are competent enough to know their own history. We also belief in our destiny as an integral part of the Naga Nation and do not wish our land to become a Summer, Second or any other Capital of Manipur, the press statement signed by the TNL president asserts.

Tangkhul Lass at WFF 2023

 

Teinem village gets a highlight at World Food Forum 2023 Flagship Event

(Ql.Yomatha@ Thatha Raleng)

UKHRUL,20th Oct'23: A Tangkhul Lass from Teinem( Tuinem) village of Ukhrul District got the privilege to speak at the World Food Forum 2023 Flagship Event (from October 16 to 20) organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Ql.Yomatha @ Thatha (29yrs) Raleng minutely  spoke on Teinem’s effort to restore biodiversity which is currently facing loss of soil nutrition and the disappearance of indigenous food and knowledge systems with a focus on reclaiming ancestral knowledge to maintain forests and establish a robust food system.

I’m very happy with this initial step in our generational work. This collaboration with Hill Wild is one of the founding principles of why we want to share indigenous food to the world while preserving our biodiversity and emphasising the need for investment in this mission. Our food system is one of the most resilient system in the world and we must protect it at all costs, Thatha said

Under the topic "Youth-Led Agro Forestry" at the Side event titled "Branching out: Youth Action and Entrepreneurship in Agroforestry for Economic and Environmental Impact," Ql.Thatha highlighting the efforts of Teinem's village in rewilding barren areas to restore biodiversity based on Indigenous Peoples' knowledge in collaboration with Hill Wild.

My background in Theology, with a specialization in Social Analysis, has fueled my interest in tribal theology, tribal spirituality, and worldview, which are deeply connected to the land and ecosystem and how intrinsically related we are that produce the very base of life. I am committed to contributing to the restoration of biodiversity in Teinem village, my hometown, which is currently facing soil nutrition loss and the disappearance of indigenous food and knowledge systems.,she added.

Teinem village focus is on reclaiming ancestral knowledge to maintain forests and establish a robust food system. The community base Teinem  Project  is located 12 KM towards the west of Ukhrul district, Manipur, India. It comes under Lungchong Meiphei Sub-division community development block. The area of LM block is a community land donated for development purposes, however, around 30-40 acres of land approximately are remained as wasteland, of which the village authorities are enthusiastic to turn the area into a land use system such as agroforestry that can have both ecological and economic impact.
Mission.

It is to alleviate climate change effects through reforestation, to restore soil nutrition and to generate better income for the community. Usage of rewilding grant in collaboration with Hill wild
Three crops that grows vigorously in the given climatic conditions are identified, they are: Tree tomato, Plum and Sugarcane. These crops are widely neglected as cash crops despite the feasibility to develop and grow. One example and purpose of economic viability from the proposed crops is that every year Teinem village like every other village of Ukhrul district buy in jaggery around 2000 kgs for Christmas celebration. This rewilding project will give the opportunity to produce their own jaggery that can improve the value exchange of the community. They can also have the breakthrough to be largest producer of plum and tree tomatoes to meet the needs of the local market and even beyond.

Community Involvement rewilding project needs a lot of community involvement in terms of volunteering labours, enduring non-profit partnerships and mutual understanding within the community in using the community land for the benefits of the municipal in ecological impact an economic development as a whole. The community will involve in the traditional and easier method of planting, low investment with locally available plants.

Further,  it is targeted to plant 10000 saplings of tree tomatoes and around 5000 to 10000 of plum trees looking into the availability of saplings. Tree tomato and  sugarcane take a duration of one year for harvest while plum take 3 at the minimum and 6 years at the maximum ,Thatha amplified.

CS met Mnp Gov

 

CS met Governor brief present ground situation

Raj Bhavan
Imphal, 10th October, 2023: Dr.Vineet Joshi, Chief Secretary, Manipur met Hon'ble Governor of Manipur, Miss Anusuiya Uikey today at Raj Bhavan to brief on the development of the present ground situation in Manipur.

CS also updated the various initiatives and programmes taken up by the State government for relief and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and measures for restoring peace and normalcy.

On being asked by the Governor regarding the availability of essential commodities in affected areas, CS informed that efforts are being made by the state machinery and security forces to ensure free flow transportation of essential goods in all the districts mainly the violence-hit districts. He further said that prices of essential commodities are now under control and District Commissioners are keeping an eye on it.

CS asserted that all the schools are now re-open barring few schools which are being used as relief camps and attendance of the students have also increased by 10 percent. For those schools that cannot be re-open in hill districts at present, alternative mode of learning has been planned to be implemented soon, he added. He continued that higher education of medical students from hill districts have been badly affected, who were previously studying in JNIMS, RIMS and Shija, talks are going on with the Health Ministry officials for recommencement of normal classes for the students.

While highlighting on the introduction of Chopper services from Churachandpur to Aizwal and Kangpokpi to Dimapur, CS also informed about the progress of pre-fabricated houses that are being constructed in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. Governor instructed for completion of the pre-fabricated houses at the earliest to ease some of the problems faced by the IDPs in relief camps.

Dr. Vineet also updated that experts have been consulted to provide nutritious food for children and lactating mothers in relief camps.
Governor was informed of the efforts of state government through concerned departments for reconstruction of lost or destroyed documents and cards of various categories such as bank passbooks, CMHT cards, Ayushman bharat cards, ration cards, old-age pension cards, Aadhaar card etc of persons, who have been displaced from their native villages and are now taking shelter in relief camps. On this, Governor stated that her office have already written to all the Governors to look into issues faced by the students of Manipur stationed/shifted to their respective states, who lost their original documents due to the ethnic clash in Manipur.

To ensure medical facilities for all the affected ones, nine specialized doctors were requisitioned by the Government of India and were sent at Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Moreh, CS said.
Government of Manipur is planning for second series of financial assistance of Rs. 1000 to all the affected persons staying in relief camps and the process of distribution will be commencing soon as already 5 months have passed since the last financial assistance was extended, CS added. He continued that DCs have been instructed to make suitable arrangements for test centre for computer classes and highlighted the skill development programme started in almost all relief camps. Issues pertaining to disposal of dead bodies, ex gratia to affected families were also discussed. As cooperation of the masses is required for bringing amicable solutions, Governor reiterated the need for dialogue between the two communities in conflict to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. She urged the need for convincing and motivating the people not to resort to any forms of violence and reiterates that normal/innocent people in both the communities wants peace. Governor suggested for opening helpline number for the people to voice their personal opinions, views and suggestions to the government.
Highlighting the continuous efforts extended through Governor’s Secretariat, Governor said that she will further extend maximum assistance for those affected by the ongoing strife in Manipur. Governor also said that she will soon visit relief camps located in peripheral areas.

RTI week celebration

 

Minister Awangbow  Newmai inaugurates  Right to Information week celebration

Imphal, 5th October, 2023: WATER Resources and Relief & Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai inaugurated Right to Information Week Celebration 2023, today at the Auditorium  Hall of DIPR, Nityaipat Chuthek, Keishampat, Imphal.

      The function was organised by Manipur Information Commission with the objective of popularising the RTI Act, 2005 with sponsorship from Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India, New Delhi.
        Addressing the gathering Minister Awangbow Newmai stated that Right to Information Act is an important Act. As India is the largest democratic country this Act will help in bringing transparency and accountability for a good governance. He also maintained that we need to control misuse of RTI Act for personal gains.

Minister Awangbow continued that Right to Information Act is very important as every individual has the right to know the different activities and functioning of the government. He also said that this act is made for more public participation and to strengthen the Government in state and nation building.

Sharing his knowledge on RTI,  M.H. Khan said that a society has to be transparent. Development of any society will be fruitful and better if there is transparency as far as possible.

In connection with the celebration, a State Level Workshop was also held. Advocate Dr. Ch. Narendra Singh and Rinku Khumukcha, Editor, Imphal Times  delivered  lectures as resource person at today’s  workshop.

The inaugural session of the celebration were attended by M.H. Khan  Additional Chief Secretary (AR/Relief & DM /Forest /RD &PR /TA & Hills), State Chief Information Commissioner, Shri  Oinam Sunil Singh, also attended the function as Guest of Honour and President respectively. Officials of the department and students also took part in the function. (DIPR)                

Hungshi Shangva - bloodline with Mangang

 

Hungshi Shangva clans says No Zimik clans in Hungpung history

( There has never been any King's family name SUN or Zimik  in Hungpung history as well as in Meitei Puya: Boniface Hungshi)

The Dawn Tantak

UKHRUL, 4th Oct'23:   AFTER decades of Hungpung chief ruling without any slightest ioda of doubt and questions on his surname/clans like ' bolds from the blue' the discription of the relationship of Khongrei King, Hungpung King and Meitei King and the Mangang- Hungshi blood line surface .

In a Press Conference held at Relish Restaurant near Naga Gate, Hungpung, today,  Qr. AS.Boniface Hungshi Chairman,Hungpung Hungshi Shangva stated that  after generations of migration from Central Asia, the ancestors of these three kings came to Makhel from Thibungmei (Kohima).

In Makhel a triune baby boy was born to the daughter of the king. The eldest son was named Riso (Khongreihung), the second son was named Hiipam (Hungpunghung) and the third son was named Mahzã (Meiteihung). And after some years the brothers along with their clan members moved to Kojifu village. After a brief stay there, they decided to look for a better fertile land. The dowager- the mother queen gave them a precious stone with blessing and telling them to settle to the place where the stone will drop by itself.

Hungshi further  stated that after searching and looking at various places the precious stone which the eldest carried on the back fell by itself at Khongrei (Khongdei), so, as instructed  by their mother they settled there. It is still there. And as the year went by. their number grew, so the second and the third brothers wanted to settle in their own land of their choice; so they- the three went a little away from the village and raised up three big boulders (Hearth) for cooking their parting meal. The stones are still there in Khongrei (Khongdei), he adds.

While supplementing their genesis  Qr. Ningkhanpam Hungshi and Qr. Barnabas Hungshi amplified that the  eldest stayed back but the younger two left Khongrei/khongdei and after long years of winding search they finally came to Hamleikhong, Hungpung Village. Subsequently, the third brother too decided to settle in the plain of Yaingapokpi/Oknao pokpi, Imphal as Meitei. Proximity allowed the youngest one to visit the second elder brother at Hungpung from time to time.

In Vashimtang, Hungpung there is a springwell, called Meitei Rakhong meaning Meitei springwell. Just South-East of the well is the Mafarung (A place for keeping Meitei Maharaja's

Elephant).

Much later when the seat of administration was passed on to his younger brother from Vashimhung (Elder brother -King), the Meitei kings came there to and left footprints on the
stone slaps. These can be seen in the courtyard of Hungpung King.

Until recently, the Hungpung King's family or clan was just known as Ahungshi - King's clan. So, a search was made for tracing the ancient root of their ancestors, and it was found that Mangang Ningthouja was the proper SALAI name of the three brothers. MANGANG was transiated into Tangkhul dialect as HUNGSHI, they said.

Legendary story has it that in the very beginning, the Immortal Being (Pakhangba) created seven maidens for his better halves. The first one was Leikak Leiyarem. Pakhangba's spirt came upon Leikak Leiyarem and overshadowed her as a 'sun' and she conceived and gave birt to a son. Thus, it is written, 'Numitna gollaka Mangang Ningthouja pogkee'. Some wanted to take.the 'sun' name, but the sun was Pakhangba's spirit, the son's name is Mangang Ningthouja.  There are seven Salai, Salai can be solely colors, not any objects.

There has never been any king's family or clan's name as SUN or ZiMIK in Hungpung (Hundung) history as well as in Meitei Puya (historical record). If there should have been anything like that, a name or title, then, as per historical fact, such will be found in
Vashimhung clan Hungpung, Hungshi said.

The Press meet was also attended by Hungshi history research committee like,  Felix Hungshi, Innocent Hungshi,
Vareingam Hungshi and  Wungkachui Hungsh,.It is further informed that the Hungshi committee has been doing the researched work( history ) for the last 18 years.

MHRC visited New Chadong

 

MHRC Chairperson  interacts with villagers of New side Chadong village

KAMJONG, October 2, 2023: MANIPUR Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Chairperson Justice U.B. Saha today held a meeting with the villagers of New Side Chadong village in Kamjong District.

During his maiden visit to the village. The meeting cum interaction was held at the community hall of  New Side Chadong village, where the Chairperson interacted with headmen and villagers in the presence of members of MHRC and Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong District alongwith other officials and police officers of the district.

Addressing the gathering, Chairperson Justice U.B. Saha stated that MHRC has visited several areas of the state which have been affected by the recent violence and have met several displaced people of both the communities. The Commission is putting its best effort to bring peace and normalcy in the state. Mr. Saha further stated that MHRC does not belong to any particular community or individual and its sole objective is to provide and safeguard the basic human rights of every individual of the state. MHRC has wide area, and people can approach the Commission to get their basic human rights, if violated.

Regarding his visit to New Side Chadong village, Mr. Saha said that he came to know about the village through a particular case and the main purpose of his visit is to know the life and livelihood of the people of the village. Justice Saha added that Manipur is one of the best states which can be used as a tourism sector in the country. Likewise Chadong, with its beautiful landscape and surrounding,  can also be developed as a tourist spot, which in turn could enhance the livelihood of the villagers.

Expressing his deep concern over the present situation in the state, the Chairperson stated that Manipur was a peaceful state but after the recent violence, the situation in the state has changed a lot. This is the time for peace and understanding amongst the people. People of both the communities have to change their mindset to bring peace and normalcy in the state. Mr Saha opined that a third community can take a pivotal role in bringing peace and tranquility in the state. He further appealed to the villagers to work as a bridge between the two communities so as to bring Manipur back to its peaceful state.

While expressing his happiness and gratitude to the visiting MHRC team, Deputy Commissioner, Kamjong Shri Rangnamei  Rang Peter, IAS stated that the villagers of New Side Chadong village are so fortunate to have the MHRC team led by Chairperson Justice U.B. Saha right in their village as such a rare opportunity won't available to every village in the state. The DC asked the villagers to express their grievances related to their rights to the visiting MHRC team without any fear or pressure. He thanked the villagers for their   trust and co-operation to the visiting team.
( Source: DIPR)