Workshop on Tangkhul history held
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Ukhrul, August 21 2013: A two days workshop on the "Unique historical background of the Tangkhul-cum-the Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) or Tangkhul Village Chiefs' Association and its profile book release was held on August 20 and 21 at Oasis Conference Hall, Hemleikhong in Ukhrul district headquarters under the theme 'Our Culture � Our Identity' .

Expenses of the workshop and the cost of book being released on the day was sponsored by Volunteers for Village Development (VVD), an NGO based in Ukhrul district.

Out of 235 headmen of Tangkhul revenue villages, 200 village headmen attended the workshop.

Tangkhul leaders and dignitaries attended the workshop.

Altogether, 250 participated in the in the programme.

Maranchan Luikham, IAS, Director Transport, Government of Manipur, released the book produced by the Tangkhul Wungnao Long called 'Tangkhu Naga Awungabing Wui Profile.

Maranchan Luikham speaking as the chief guest said culture is a continuous process and it also spreads beyond but culture like head-hunting should be abolished.

Culture is the result of aspiration.

Culture should be progressive, improved and analyze it for assimilating into the system, he added.

Similarity of attire, food habits, ways of life and other social norms may be defined as identdity.

It may give a negative impact due to intense affiliation, the chief guest cautioned.

WA Shishak, Retd.Chief Justice stated in his speech on 'Unique Historical Background of Tangkhul asserted that history does not support that 'we were under the Meitei Maharaja' .

Worngam Ningshen, IPS in his speech on the topic, 'Village administration as the lowest structure of Governance,' said its due recognition emphasized on the challenges of village administration by the weave of democratization, land and resources and migration of villagers outside the ones village.

Village administration is for fuller growth, justice and proper management.

Togetherness, willing to help others, confidence etc symbolizes a village.

There should be self reliance and good governance.

He also mention the system of Samaraj Gram being practice in the state of Gujarat, he added.

Stephen Angkang, former president of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) speaking on, traditional rights of the Tangkhuls, a degenerating identity of the Tangkhuls detailed the rights and responsibilities of the Tangkhul headmen and his position as the head of the legislature, executive, judiciary and religious affairs.

Jubilete, Operation Manager of Volunteers for Village Development (VVD) speaking on "Dehumanizing Customs of the Tangkhul" explained gender issue in the present Tangkhul society and stressed on the participation of Tangkhul women in decision making process, property inheritance, education, equal pay for equal works and other laws which are incorporated in the Constitution and declarations at international and national levels K.Joshua, Technical Expert on Global Positioning System gave a visual demonstration about its utilities by way of how inter village boundary conflict could be avoided by using modern technologies.

Vakham Zimik, Advocate, Convenor, TSCF is the other resource person who spoke in the workshop.

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