Mount Longthan is said to be the dispersing point of Tangkhuls who migrated from Makhel long time back. From this very place, it started dispersing to various places of present Tangkhul
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
According to oral history of Phungcham, a Longnao (group of people) migrated from Makhel and rested at Longsam (resting place for Long) and disperse at Mount Longthan (dispersing point).
In a simple programme, Headman of Phungcham, Wungnaongam Horamwo on Tuesday inaugurated the rest camp constructed at Mount Longthan donated by MLA of 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency Khashim Vashum.
Wungnaongam Horamwo stated that ” Mount Longthan is said to be the dispersing point of Tangkhuls who migrated from Makhel long time back. From this very place, it started dispersing to various places of present Tangkhul.” Understanding the significance of this historical place, MLA of 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency, Khashim Vashum bore expenses for constructing rest camp at Mount Longthan, he added. Extending his heartfelt gratitude the MLA on behalf of Phungcham people, he opened the place for the public. “May every visitor finds happiness, comfort and peace at this place,” he said.
Former Headman of Phungcham, HR. Wungnaoyo said that when they approached Khashim Vashum for the construction of rest camp at Mount Longthan, he responded positively saying, “I am a descendant of Phungcham and I always think fondly of the village. Definitely I would like to contribute something for the village.”
The term Phungcham means old settlement in Tangkhul dialect. It is evident in the name of the village itself and various historical places like ‘Longthan’ (group dispersing point) and ‘Longsam’ (group resting place) that the Tangkhul who migrated from Makhel people dispersed from this village to their present settlements. It is considered as one of the oldest villages in Tangkhul. Shimreishang and Maitonphi, the protagonists of the famous Tangkhul love story were from this village. Lengthui, a legendary prankster whose adventures exist as folk tales among the Tangkhuls also hailed from Phungcham.
Phungcham is located in northern part of Ukhrul District, Manipur and is about 28km from Ukhrul Headquarters. Phungcham is flanked by Longpi and Lunghar in the east, Peh in the north, Hunphun and Halang in the south and Talui in the west. As per 2011 census, the village has a total of 762 houses with 4041 persons.
The inauguration programme was attended by Mantri of Phungcham, HR. Ringkhan, Secretary of Village Authority, Wungreingam Vashum, VDC Chairman, Nagthingkhui Horam, President and colleagues of Shanao Long, NTNBA Pastor, Keen Shangh, TBCA Pastor, Diamond Muivah, SDA Pastor, Soreiwung Ahum, elders and VA of Phungcham.