IT Exclusive
One of the important historic areas of Moirang Kangleirol – Thangching village under Churachandpur district has been listed as Thangting, according to Manipur Gazette.
With 125 villages, the state government has ordered to create a sub-division called as Thangting. Since time immemorial the place is known as Thangching and it is widely believed that the place has been named after Ibudhou Thangjing.
According to historians, the deity Thangjing is a living God, who protects the people of Moirang and surrounding area from evil attacks. And, Thangching is the place, where Ibudhou Thangjing stays before descending down on the plain at Moirang Leikoi Pung.
After the independence, Mairembam Koireng Singh, who was elected as the first Chief Minister of Manipur, spearheaded a revolt against the then king of Manipur (Bodhchandra Singh) to handover the custody of the Ibudhou Thangjing’s Temple to the people of Moirang. Still the revolt is famously known as “Thangjing Andolan”.
While speaking to Imphal Times, a person (name withheld on condition of anonymity) who is instrumental in the creation of the Sub-Division said that Thangching is largely inhabited by Gangte, Kuki and Kom people, the communities want to call the area in tune with their own dialect. An organization is pushing the concern department to rename the area as Thangting. Taking the name of the area and controversies, the creation of the Sub-division is still at stalemate.
She also said that the proposed headquarter of the sub-division – Khousabung is still in controversy as some sections of the people endorse other village which is convenient for the villagers under the Sub-division.
Thangting Area Chiefs’ Association (TACA-I&II) and other association have the opinion that Khousabung is the most centrally located place that suits the need of a sub-divisional headquarters.
It is not known who or which body is behind the remaining of Thangching into Thangting and their intentions. However, the necessity to retain the original name of the area is felt among the people considering its historic importance. So, it would be wise for the government to take necessary measures to ensure the historical heritage as well preserved and protected.
