Hereditary headman coronation programme held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 05 2021: Coronation programme of headman of Lembakhul village under Island Sub-Division in Kangpokpi district namely Khashim Chithung s/o (L) Amo Tangkhul was held on July 3 .

The coronation was conducted as per the judgement and order passed on April 23 in the Miscellaneous Civil Case (13 of 2020) by full bench in the open court of Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang Karot (Tangkhul Customary Court) relating to hereditary headmanship of Lembakhul village, said a joint statement issued by Lembakhul Development Council chairman Benjamin Chithung and secretary Tennyson Mashangva.

They explained that the Miscellaneous Civil Case was disposed of on April 23, 2021 by the full bench of the court in accordance to the Constitution and customary laws of the community and passed the order in favour of the petitioner Khashim Chithung, who is the son of the first headman Amo Tangkhul.

As per customary laws of the Tangkhul, hereditary headmanship cannot be gifted, sold, purchased or obtained by any force but transferred only to the eldest son of the headman, the statement maintained and clarified that no other sons or younger brothers of the headman are entitled to hold the post of the headman.

The Governor of Manipur has accorded the approval to the headmanship by an order dated 23-12-2019 vide number 9/19/2019-Hills (VA) and published in the official gazette by Tribal Affairs and Hills additional chief secretary in the name and order of the Governor, the statement added.

It further maintained that Khashim Chithung is the only person who is entitled to the post of headman, legally and customarily, in respect to Lembakhul village.

The coronation programme was participated by the village elders, leaders of women society and youth as well as public, headmen and leaders from the neighbouring villages.

Lembakhul village pastor Jims Keishing invoked the blessing prayer and Khunpu Shimreingam Mashangva made the closing and blessing prayer.

The villagers expressed their happiness and pledged to extend full cooperation in the administration of the new headman, the statement said.

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