In an effort to reinforce cultural and social ties, Tangkhul and Meitei communities of Manipur have resolved to organise an event called “Tangkhul-Meitei Ngashan-Kummei” in the month of November 2022. The two communities also unanimously resolved to observe annual “Indigenous Brothers Meet”.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) – Tangkhul Chiefs Association hosted a “Get-Together” programme with Meitei Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at Heritage Center, Vangayan Shirui Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur on Friday. Two important decisions were taken in the get-together programme:
1. To celebrate “Tangkhul-Meitei Ngashan-Kummei” in the month of November 2022. A cultural exchange programme between the two communities.
2. To observe “Indigenous Brothers Meet” annually.
The programme was attended by representatives of Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul, Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation and the Four Tangkhul Longphangs namely Ato Longphang (North), Zingtun Longphang (West), Zingsho Longphang (East) and Aze Longphang (South). From the Meitei community, leaders and representatives of All Manipur United Club’s Organisation (AMUCO), Ethno Heritage Council (HERICON), United People’s Front (UPF) Kangleipak Kanpa Lup (KKL), The League of Indigenous People’s Upliftmnet (LIPUL), Loumee Shinmee Apun Lup (LOUSAL) and Eenat Yokkhat Lup (EYL) attended the said programme.
President of Tangkhul Naga Long, David K Shimray stated “there are only two indigenous settlers in Manipur and called for equal development in both the hills and valley.”
President of Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, SA. Ramnganing stated “cultural exchange programme between Tangkhul and Meitei is needed for understanding each other’s culture and identity. This will surely strengthen our unity and foster respect and accept other cultures and way of life.
President of Ethno Heritage Council (HERICON) and Advisor to COCOMI, Longjam Ratan Kumar stated, “it is better late then never, we should unite and revisit the past and move forward together. What are the step to be taken by Meitei and Tangkhul to forge a common vision or common roadmap. This is the time to build one Iramdam. The term and usage of hills and valley is also a factor that divide our oneness. Cultural exchange programme as suggested by President of TNWL is one thing we can take up for fostering our relationship.”
In the “Get Together” held today, the members present unanimously resolved to celebrate “Tangkhul-Meitei Ngashan-Kummei” in the month of November 2022. President of TNWL, SA. Ramnganing and President of HERICON, Longjam Ratan Kumar were unanimously chosen as Convenor and Co-Convenor of the Organising Committee respectively. Secretary of KKL, Ngamkhei Ngakpa Luwang, Advisor of UPF, L. Jadumani, President of LIPUL, Somendro Thokchom, President of EYL, Okram Wangamba Meitei, President of LOUSAL, M. Churamani and General Secretary of AMUCO, Dr. Norendro Thokchom were nominated as Executive Members of the Organising Committee.
The members present in the meeting unanimoulsy adopted a resolution to observe “Indigenous Brothers Meet” as an annual event. The Organising Committee will fix the date and detail of the programne at the earliest.
This is the first kind in the history of Tangkhul and Meitei of Manipur, where the two communities will come together under one platform to showcase and exhibit their rich culture. Meitei team coming from Imphal were acvorded a warm reception by the Chiefs of various villages of Tangkhul.