TNL, Hunphun embrace 'reconciliation' to resolve land row
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, December 03 2021:
Peace is hard to come by in any conflict situation.
It certainly takes the two sides to make sincere efforts but it's the will of God that does the rest of the work to make peace really happen.
The path chosen by both Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Hunphun village from conflict and ill-will to peace and goodwill through "Tui Khangami', a ceremony of reconciliation', held at HA Rashing Hall in Hunphun village on Friday, was largely believed to have come from divine intervention.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the signing of 'Mayakhangarok' (Memorandum of Agreement) between Hunphunwo (headman) HA Sarimaya and TNL president in-charge Tuisem Kamkara in the presence of witnesses acted by Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) president SA Ramnganing and caretaker CAO, WTR Brig Retired Levi Zimik.
The content of the agreement was read out by Hunphun Kharikva Kazip (HKK) speaker Rammayo Chiphang and handed over a copy each to HA Sarimaya and Tuisem Kamkara in front of the congregation comprising TNL executives, Hunphun village authority members, church elders, social leaders and public.
According to the terms of the agreement, from the day of "Tui Khangami', the 3rd December, 2021, both TNL and Hunphun village have ceased any feelings of grudge or resentment against each other and march forward with cohesion for the betterment of Tangkhul Wungram (land) .
In his prayerful supplication, Union Baptist Church (UBC) pastor Rev.Remember Rimai called forth divine blessing and wisdom upon TNL and Hunphun village to resolve any differences and misunderstanding once and for all.
"Let this reconciliation be a testimony of Your grace and will in bringing peace and harmony," Rev Rimai exhorted.
Witnessing the reconciliation, Phungyar MLA and HAC Chairman Leishiyo Keishing expressed elation and gratitude to TNL and Hunphun village.
"Today, TNL and Hunphun has done us all proud by coming together in reconciliation, leaving behind all the ill feelings of the past.
Tangkhuls being a noble community, we cannot afford to stand divided among us," he said.
"TNL and Hunphun village have set a living example of reconciliation.
May the same'spirit of this reconciliation continue to guide the two sides so that the long-running dispute is resolved amicably," SA Ramnganing said extolling the two parties.
He said that through this reconciliation, both TNL and Hunphun village have opened a new chapter of cohesion in Tangkhul history.
"It's my earnest appeal to all conflicting villages to follow suit in resolving their problems," Ramnganing said.
For years, TNL and Hunphun village had locked horns over the ownership of a plot of land including the campus of Ukhrul Higher Secondary School and its hostel apd the site of TNL office.
The relationship between the two turned even worse after a series of violent clashes that occurred on February 4, March 10 and April 16 this year.
"To bring peace between the two sides, a vast spectrum of stakeholders including Churches, social organisations, intellectuals and individuals had been spending sleepless nights to work out a solution," HunphUn Wungva Wungnaoyo Shimzingwo said.
"Today is a day of celebration.
We are deeply indebted to everyone who has shown concern and strived to make this daunting task possible," he said.