IT Correspondent
Ukhrul, Oct 8:
Community leaders have emphasized the importance of revealing the truth and striving for peace among their brethren, highlighting that unity is the only path through which the grace of God can bless the land. They have reminded the Tangkhul people of the unique and magnificent land bestowed upon them, urging the community to glorify God rather than be swayed by selfish motives. This sentiment has arisen in the context of the long-standing dispute between Hunphun (Ukhrul) and Hundung (Humpum), a conflict threatening to destabilize peace within the Tangkhul community.
The Tangkhul people, also known as the Hao, trace their origins to the Hung dynasty in China and the Samshok region in Ava (modern-day Kabaw Valley, Myanmar). They eventually settled in the highlands along the Indo-Myanmar border, where they have lived for generations, deeply connected to the land, rivers, and forests. The current land dispute between Hunphun and Hundung over ownership of certain lands has reignited tensions, prompting calls for immediate attention to the issue.
Hunphun and Hundung, two villages deeply connected through folklore and history, are now locked in a dispute over a piece of land known as Hamreikhong, near Phungrei. Hunphun claims historical ownership, while Hundung asserts its right based on ancient agreements. The land holds significant cultural and historical value, as it was once home to the first Tangkhul pottery, further complicating the conflict.
Legal rulings from 1922 and 1952, addressing boundary disputes between the two villages, have failed to resolve the tensions. In 1922, the Court of the Sub-Divisional Officer of Northeast India ruled that the disputed land would become a neutral zone where both parties could practice agriculture. The 1952 ruling reaffirmed this decision, though disagreements over the boundary have persisted.
The construction of the Ukhrul Mini Secretariat complex in 2016 on the disputed land has further inflamed the situation, with accusations that individuals with vested interests have distorted the area’s history to bolster Hundung’s claims. Artifacts and heritage pieces associated with the pottery tradition have reportedly fallen into the hands of Hundung’s headman, raising concerns over the preservation of the region’s cultural significance.
The historical significance of Shaheb Poknapham, an ancient boundary between Hunphun and Hundung, adds another layer to the dispute. This landmark site, once a symbol of peace and unity between the villages, was dismantled by individuals seeking personal gain. The legacy of the ceremonial fire from Meizailung, symbolizing cultural unity during the 1996 Centenary of Pettigrew Gosbel, remains a powerful reminder of the shared roots between the Tangkhul people.
Another point of contention is Thingrasa, a culturally significant location claimed by both villages. While Hundung has recently asserted territorial rights over the area, Hunphun maintains that the site is part of their heritage.
As tensions rise, community leaders have called for dialogue, transparency, and a commitment to upholding the truth of the shared history between Hunphun and Hundung. They stress that while land is valuable, it must not be prioritized over the relationships within the community. The path forward, they say, lies in unity, peace, and a collective effort to honor the rich heritage that binds the Tangkhul people.