Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 29 2009:
Among the delicacies of Nagas, the soup made from a type of insect found inside the bark of some trees is becoming popular among the people with widespread belief that it has curative power against Asthma and TB.
Known in Manipuri as 'Wa-tin' and 'Bo' and 'Libo' in the common parlance of Paomei and Mao people respectively, the insect found mostly inside the bark of trees like Shahi, etc are being brought by people from remote villages and are sold in the market of Senapati district where there is no lack of buyers.
One insect costing Rs 6, it is every expensive, yet there is no haggling over the price between the buyer and the seller.
With exception to rainy season, the insect is found in large quantity in October and November mostly in Sahi trees emanating a sweet aroma.
According to Salomi of Senapati, this insect is being consumed by the Naga people since ancient time and now there is great demand for this insect in the market with popular belief that the soup made from it has curative power against Asthma and TB.