'Pukreila must come out and lead as ambassadors of peace'
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, June 13 2023:
Even as all efforts to bring peace in Manipur amid the conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities yield no results, Pukreila should take the initiative as peacemakers, said some Tangkhul elders.
Often, in times of conflict between villages, Pukreila, Tangkhul women married to another village, play the role of peacemakers fostering love and peace among the people, they said, narrating the tales of their courage and sacrifices.
Tangkhul community, however is a male dominated patriarchal society, but their women enjoy a high status and the Pukreila have always been in the centre-stage as ambassadors for peace.
The Tangkhul elders said a Pukreila, in any condition, cannot be harmed as per the customary laws.
She is highly respected for her neutrality and sincerity.
She is a thread that binds both the villages.
The Tangkhul have strong customs of respecting Pukreila's command.
Serious punishments are given to those who harm and disrespect Pukreila and her command.
The head hunters do not take the head of Pukreila as she is related to both the village and is respected.
When war breaks out between two villages, because of her roots and marriage, Pukreila remains neutral and takes the role of a mediator.
When the two warring villages are fighting resulting in the deaths of many, the roles of Pukreila become very important.
In order to stop the bloodshed, Pukreila would hold a long "Y" shaped staff and enter the battlefield and she would shout "Stop, It is enough'' .
After hearing the command of Pukreila, they would listen to her words and the warriors on both sides would have to stop the war at once.
Subsequently, both the villages would sit face to face and negotiate for an amicable solution without provoking further violence.
This is how a Pukreila takes risks and brings conflict to an end as peacemakers, said the elders.
To end the present unrest and conflict in Manipur, Pukreila must come out and be ambassadors of love and peace.
Sisters and daughter-in-laws of Naga, Meitei, Kuki and Pangals should take the role of Pukreila.
As violence continues, all the Pukreila must be grieving silently and praying for peace.
They should be given a chance to lead and bring peace, said the Tangkhul elders.