Lamka, June 28 2009: A dominant tribe in Churchandpur � the Paites, today mark 60 years of their political voyage through thick-and-thin with many leaders from the tribe that often split on issues and fought political battles sharing the podium at Young Paite Association Hall, New Lamka.

The once nomadic tribe, as was also clearly defined by the word Paite had began to feel the political heat and instituted their own political front known as Paite National Council (PNC) in 1949 at Tangnuam village, here.

Since then the organization underwent a sea change in transforming itself as an apex body of the Paites and as a non-political organisation in 2002 besides rechristening itself as Paite Tribe Council (PTC).

Earlier politicians reigned in the organization and took the model of a political party with many politicians from the tribe making their route to the State politics through it.

Power Minister T Phungzathang and Thanlon MLA V Hangkhanlian were among them to name a few.

Today, they have to make do merely as an ex-officio member.

Securing recognition of a tribe (Paite) from Manipur in 1955 and from Mizoram a decade back, PTC has 11 blocks with an autonomous headquarters and a general headquarters, as it marks and celebrates 60 years of its existence.

Veteran leaders of the tribe related the initial struggle their forerunners underwent and highlighted the feat their tribesmen had achieved since, even as they called better reproach.

Though presume to be less than a lakh in numbers, the Paite tribe have made a name of their own in many facet among the State elites.

Many of the tribe's civil servants had held top posts in the Central and State Governments.

The first Speaker of Manipur TC Tiankham was from the tribe while two IAS officers H Jelshyam and Haukhum Hauzel had served as Chief Secretary of Manipur and Mizoram.

T Goukhenkapau was the first HAC Chairman while V Dongzathang retired as highly revered Commissioner of Income Tax Tribunal and former MPSC Chairman T Gwite was a top-notch IPS officer from the region.

Today's celebration was attended by Power Minister T Phungzathang and T Hangkhanpau and many other dignitaries from the tribe.

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