Anal Khullen waiting to be developed as tourist spot
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Gyanand Naorem

Imphal, March 30 2012: Anal Khullen, a place associated with the history of Manipur, and one of the first settlements of Anal tribes in Manipur, needs to be given special attention and develop as a tourist spot by the state government.

Located about 20 kms south east of Chandel district head Quarters; Anal Khullen is a remote village, which has been associated with the 2000 years old history of Manipur.

History reveals that the Anal tribes wandered in different parts of Manipur before coming to settle at Anal Khullen.

It was from there, Anal people dispersed to other parts of the state.

At present, there are around 30 households in the village with a population of around 400 people only.

Although Anal Khullen is just 20 kms away from the district head quarters, yet, if one has to go to this village from the district headquarters, he/she has to go to Chakpikarong first and then proceed for the village as the roads leading to the village is in its worst condition.

The condition of the road is even more deplorable during rainy season.

The stones at Anal Khullen that tell story of antiquity

The road from Chandel to Anal Khullen has never been mended by the government till date.

However, shingling along the road leading to the village from Chakpikarong has been started.

Just as one approaches the village gate, two huge stones stand as if greeting the visitors.

According to local folkore, these stones were thrown from a distant place in a competition between Wangbrel, the defender of the East among the Pantheon of Meeties, and the youths of Anal village.

Wangbrel also wooed an Anal lady, Shangnu (Shankhurembi) .

These stones and the legend surrounding the village would definitely attract tourists.

In fact, tourists have been coming to Anal Khullen village on certain occasions to see these stones which lie on both sides of the road.

A villager told this reporter that the government should develop this village as tourist spot.

Roads and bridges connecting the village and the district headquarter need to be improved and kept fit for transportation.

Development of this village into a tourist spot would also help in strengthening the age old relationship between the Anal tribes and the Meeteis.