Imphal, April 16: Inspite of the initiatives that have been taken up by the State Government long ago in recognition of its historical importance, the task of setting up Thangal General Ecological Park along the side of the strategic Imphal-Dimapur Road in between Mayangkhang and Ningthoupham in Senapati district has been lying in neglect all these years.

According to leaders of Thangal Union, the first step toward setting up the park was taken up during the Chief Ministership of late RK Ranbir while MPP-led Government was in power.

At that time, the people of Thangal community wholeheartedly welcomed the move as the park was to be set up in remembrance of not only of Chirai Thangal who was the custodial of the northern battle front of the last war of independence that the people of Manipur fought against the British in 1891 but also of other brave sons of the soil like Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and other nameless warriors who laid down their lives for the sake of Manipur apart from the fact the park would serve as a symbol of unity among the hill and the valley people, Thangal Union president Haomei Khangba said.

It is in recognition of this historical importance that the Thangal people have already donated 58 acres of land out of the total 100 acres required for the purpose.

But the Government has not taken up any further steps for construction of the park.

Therefore the villagers have not thought of donating any more land.

However, if the Government is sincere enough in resuming the construction work, then the villagers are ready to donate all the required land, he added. Apart from having constructed a shed which can serve as a mini rest house and to instale the statue of General Thangal, no further construction work has been taken up at the park all these years.

The Chief Minister and the MLAs have also been approached in this regard but they only gave assurances without ever implementing the promises, Khangba lamented.

Treasurer of Thangal Union RK Solomon informed that in commemoration of the supreme sacrifice made by Chirai Thangal and Thangal General for safeguarding the independence of Manipur, people of the Thangal community have been observing Patriots' Day on August 13 every year.

YK Luikang, who has donated the land for setting up the park said Chirai Thangal and Thangal General had contributed their mite in protecting the unity and integrity of Manipur.

While recalling the heroic tales of Chirai Thangal and Thangal General, Luikang said Chirai Thangal was hung to death on charges of killing two British officers.

After that for seven long years, the Britishers tried their best to eliminate the whole of Thangal community by killing all the male population and destroying the crops in the field.

To escape from such brutality, many Thangal people whose settlement spread till Karong area either fled to some far off land or merged with some other tribes.

It is only those few who withstood the brutality of the British who are settled today at Ningthouphamand Mayangkhang area.

On the observance of Patriots' Day on August 13 by the Thangal people, Luikang said it was at the advice of the then Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district Elangbam Sonamani that the day has been started observing every year till today in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by Chirai Thangal and Thangal General in the Anglo-Manipuri war and he did not take any compensation for the land donated for the purpose of setting the park.

He further said that Meetei and Thangal people have close relationship.

The social custom and the religious rites of the two people are very similar and they are culturally rich people, he added.

On the myth of hill and valley people being brothers, Luikang reiterated that the hill and the valley people are real blood brothers.

The elder brother remained at the hill and his progeny became the Thangals while the younger brother went to the valley to settle and subsequently his progeny are known as Meeteis, he explained. On how Ningthoupham village was named, Luikang said the village gets its name as the Ningthou (King) of Manipur used to halt at the village to meet the leaders of the hill people whenever he come to that side.

These days, the leaders only talk of hill and valley people being brothers, but they never show it in deeds and actions, he lamented.

Participating in a discussion session hosted jointly by North Imphal United Clubs and Meira Paibis Organisation and Thangal Union in connection with development of the Ecological Park, leaders of Thangal Union, representatives of Mayangkhang and Ningthoupham villages as well as other leaders of Thangal community coming from different parts expressed gratitude to NIUCAMO for the interest and concern shown in this regard.

All those who spoke at the occasion also appealed to the Government and the people for extending their co-operation to the efforts being made by NIUCAMO for the development of the historic park which would epitomise as the symbol of unity between the people living in the hill and those living in the valley.

Chief advisor and founder president of NIUCAMO Kh Robindro said NIUCAMO assured that NIUCAMO would continue to do its best for development of the with the support and help from the people.

Over and above the statue of Thangal General installed at the park, NIUCAMO plans to erect the statues of Bir Tikendrajit and Chirai Thangal at the park along with setting up a hall, office, chowkidar's quarters, children park, swimming pool, etc, he said while seeking the support and assistance of both the Government and other voluntary organisations in this regard.

For help and other suggestion mobile phone nos 9436034965, 9862032997 and 8956114852 may be contacted, he informed.

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