A love story that is heard far and wide and in memory of the two legendary lovers, Ashang and Aton, a park and statue has been erected at Longkhan. The place has been maintained by Yangreiram Beautification Society (YBS) since 2015 and it is a popular picnic spot.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
The rendezvous of Shimreishang and Maitonphi at Longkhan of Phungcham is about 28km from Ukhrul Headquarters. In memory of the two legendary lovers, a park and statue was erected by Yangreiram Beautification Society (YBS) in 2015 and celebrated its 6th raising day on Thursday.
Wungpam Raikhan, prospective NPF MLA candidate from 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency attended the celebration as chief guest. Manager, Livelihood and Natural Resources, UDCRMS, Somipam Longleng as guest of honour, Headman of Phungcham Wungnaongam Horamwo as functional president and Social Worker Jordan Pheirei as special invitee.
Wungpam Raikhan was given a warm reception by the Village Authority of Phungcham at the community hall. Clad in colourful traditional attires, the dignitaries were escorted to the venue by the awaiting escort party.
Speaking at the occasion, Wungpam Raikhan stated, “We have very few parks in our area. This historical park is one where we can invest and attract tourists from the state and outside. This can also generate employment for the villagers and sustain their livelihood. There is an area where we need to develop to welcome tourists throughout the year. Let us also plant more trees in the surrounding area and other species of exotic flowers inside the park for more attraction.”
Wungpam Raikhan is an engineer at Central Public Works Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, who took early retirement from his work to join electoral politics. Wungpam Raikhan also inaugurated the Tarong constructed by Timrumshon Yarnao inside the park.
Headman of Phungcham, Wungnaongam Horamwo said, “I on behalf of the whole villagers of Phungcham expressed immense gratitude to Wungpam Raikhan for attending the occasion as Chief Guest. I also expressed my thanks to YBS for beautifying and taking care of this historic place, a rendezvous of Shimreishang and Maitonphi, the legendary lovers of Phungcham. With their utmost care and zeal, this very place has developed as a hot destination for locals and tourists. I on behalf of the villagers wish YBS a happy raising day and more glory in the days to come.”
Chairman of Paorei Village Robust Pheirei expressed immense gratitude to YBS for extending an invitation to the celebration. “I am equally grateful to Wungpam Raikhan who is new to most of us but very close to the hearts of the people for taking out his precious time to be in our midst. Phungcham is blessed with rich historical facts associated with the origin, culture and tradition of the Tangkhul community. May we continue to promote and preserve the rich culture of Phungcham Yangreiram.”
Somipam Longleng stated, “Our forefathers have a close relationship with nature. The scenic beauty and beautiful landscape of Tangkul and the warm hospitality of the people is indeed a viable value for successful promotion of tourism. Parks and other recreational places are slowly coming up and attracting tourists under the initiative of youngsters. It is very encouraging to see many peer groups (Yarnao) coming together and actively participating to maintain and beautify this very place and at the same time in promoting this historic place.”
Display of traditional folk dance and folk song by Atung-Azing Parei Gahar Long, beautiful performance by fame Tangkhul artist Somichan Vashum and Nimzingla Horam, Shimshang Pheirei and Mirin Pheikar, choreography presentation by Mayochon Pheirei and company and acting play by Rinshang Horam and company added more flavor to the celebration.