Floral tributes paid to General Thangal, Charai Thangal
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 13 2022: A number of people including representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga People's Organization (NPO) and Thangal Union offered floral tributes to the statues of Thangal General and Charai Thangal at Thangal General Ecological Park, Mayang-khang, today.

The Patriots' Day celebration at Mayangkhang was graced by S Kho John, president, United Naga Council (UNC) as the chief guest, Solomon Arow, president Naga People's Organization (NPO) as the guest of honour and YK Kaping, president, Thangal Union as the functional president.

YK Kaping stated that the day is historic not only for the Thangal community but for the entire Naga communities as the two patriots belong to the Nagas.

He continued that the two heroes dared even the sophisticated weapons of the British for the love of their motherland.

Solomon Arow said that the Thangal tribe is being blessed with different gifts from God although they are one of the smallest tribes in Senapati district.

Kho John stated that the two heroes are being remembered even after more than 100 years because of their sense of nationalism.

He said that the two heroes were legendary leaders who fought to save the erstwhile princely State, Manipur from the Britishers.

Different religious and CSO leaders including the United Naga Council, Naga Women's Union, Senapati District Women's Association, Senapati District Students Association .

and social leaders from Thangal community also attended the programme.

Lungthoubu Thangal better known as Thangal Menjor and later known as Thangal General was a legendary hero from the Thangal tribe.

The clever act, courage and strength of Lungthoubu and his daring enterprise impressed the Maharaja of Manipur to take him to the capital, Imphal known as Sana Konung for his services.

Thangal General gave his services at the Manipur Sana Konung for about 60 years and lived with the Meitei community for long.

Thangal General was given the title by the then Political Agent Sir James Johnstone in 1885.Having realised the power of the British and after resolving to resist them to the utmost, Thangal General played an active part in executing the British officials and fought to drive the British out of Manipur.

He played a glorious role in the war of 1890-91 and his name stands in the galaxy of freedom fighters of Manipur.

Thangal General, Bir Tikendrajit and others were hanged on August 13, 1891.Charai Thangal was also hanged by the Britishers on this day in 1891.Although Charai Thangal was younger than Thangal General, he was known as the commander-in-charge of the Northern Fort at Mayangkhang.

For murdering a British officer and waging war against the British, Charai Thangal was forced to surrender to British at the end of the war and was hanged.

The British anger and wrath on the Thangal tribe continued for 9 years even after having hung the two great patriots.

As a result, Mayangkhang village was reportedly burnt to ashes three times by British soldiers.

Comment