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Communities of Manipur: Tangkhuls A look into the role and place of this largest tribe in Manipur. The Tangkhuls are the largest community after the majority Meitei community in Manipur. They number more than a hundred thousand. Their ancestral abode is the Ukhrul district of Manipur. Th. Muivah, the leader of the NSCN(IM) belongs to this community. Much is said about the Tangkhuls in this present imbroglio for the unavoidable reason that a party to the Ceasefire mess happens to be the NSCN (IM) besides the Government of India, in which both parties are engaged in “bilateral” talks. How the Tangkhuls are a focus of the spotlight is the fact that the leader of the NSCN (IM) is a Tangkhul. Tangkhuls are the most powerful of all the Naga
tribes in Manipur due to their sheer number compared to other tribes. It would
not be fair to put this proud community on the defensive, when on the flip side
Th. Muivah is the one spearheading this movement for Naga Nationalism that is
taking place in the hills of Manipur. The issue we are dealing here is the contribution that this community has made to Manipur and the role it can play for the betterment of Manipur as a whole. Th.Muivah and his supporters of course are going to be adamant about their stand on the ceasefire and the professed desire to create a Greater Nagaland state.
Whether this “desire or goal” is achieved is a different matter. But looking
at the status quo of present day Manipur, it is interesting to note that a
section of the Naga populace seem to not like the idea of being part of Manipur
and have the inclination to unite with Nagaland, politically and economically.
Tangkhuls have provide two Chief Ministers from their midst, which were Late
Yangmaso Shaiza and Rishang Keishing. So on the political front, it is indeed a
commendable achievement. The issue of this nationalism has, I believe, got to do much with history. The belief is that the treatment meted out to the subjects in the hills by the Manipur Kings was hardly consistent with what should have been. But isn’t the uncalled for treatment also meted out even to the subjects in the Valley as well. Come to think of it, I think that all Communities in Manipur should forget about what happened in the past. We are a democratic society and think of ourselves as part and parcel of this beautiful land called Manipur. A look into the cultural aspect of life in Manipur would reveal that much co-operation and interaction did take place and outdistances any negative connotation that might arise out of the deeds of our Kings of yore. Of course, the attitude of the Meiteis, being a majority community needs to change for the better. Back to Top FrontPage Manipur Profiles Features Potpourri Opinions Editorials Books Photos Links Archives Contact Policy/Disclaimer |
