Ethnic and cultural ties between Meiteis and Tangkhuls
Ukhrul to host "Ngashan Kumei" in Dec
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2022: Ukhrul District Headquarters will host a 2-day cultural exchange programme christened "Ngashan Kumei" on December 2 and 3 to uphold the ethnic and cultural relations between the Meiteis and Tangkhuls, announced the organising committee of the programme today.

Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club today, co-convenor of "Ngashan Kumei" organising committee L Ratankumar said that the cultural exchange programme will jointly be organised by Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) and HERICOUN, LIPUL, UNACSU, IFSA UPF and KKL.

Saying that the main objective of the programme is to create unity among the indigenes of Manipur, Ratankumar said that events related to the culture, identities, customs of Meiteis and Tangkhuls such as Thang-Ta, Khunung Eshei, Shumang Kumei and folk songs of Tangkhul will be showcased at the 2-day event.

He further stated that a traditional fashion show showcasing the dresses of Meiteis and Tangkhuls will be held.

The festival will be inaugurated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, he added.

After the inauguration, the Chief Minister will also lay a foundation stone to erect a memorial stone of Ngashan Kumei, Ratankumar said.

Appealing to the people belonging to other tribes or communities to not misunderstand for organising the festival whose central idea is to strengthen the bond between Meiteis and Tangkhuls, Ratankumar informed that the decision to hold Ngashan Kumei was taken a few years back during a joint meeting of Meitei and Tangkhul organisations at Khamlang Village in Ukhrul.

The joint meeting resolved to put up a collective fight against issues such as influx of illegal immigrants and drug menace, especially poppy plantations, which threatens the future of the indigenous people and strengthens 'our ties,' he recalled.

"We are also preparing to organise a similar programme by inviting people from other communities and tribes too," Ratankumar maintained.

Headman of Khongbal Tangkhul, Akhui Zimik said that the culture and tradition of Manipur seem to be disappearing gradually after the erstwhile kingdom merged with India.

Saying that the indigenous people of the State have also been exposed to many threats and this may be compounded once Manipur becomes a part of the Indian railway network, Akhui maintained that holding such programmes is imperative to build a strong relation between the people of Manipur.

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