Indigeneity call rings out at Chakkouba do

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 1 : The Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM) celebrated Ningol Chakkouba at Chadong Village in Kamjong district with Meitei and tribal Ningols (women) today.
Organised by  the  Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM) at Chadong New Site Tourist Destination (Indigenous Resort), the celebration emphasised on instilling a renewed sense of oneness among the indigenous people of Manipur.
Ukhrul AC MLA Ram Muivah graced the celebration as chief guest while Thangjam Joykumar, Managing Director of Thangjam Agro Industry Private Limited, IPSA working president Khuraijam Athouba, Dr Chance Raman and Dr Arambam Noni were the guests of honour.
Ashang Kashar, IPFM president, was the function president.
The Ningols gathered at the western gate of Kangla and headed to Chadong to take part in the festival which celebrates familial bond and cultural values.
What makes the festival more meaningful is that the Ningols were given the vegetables grown by the locals of Chadong at their village as khudols (gifts) after sharing a ceremonial feast.
The celebration at Chadong embraced the true essence of Ningol Chakkouba as the festival after all is  not about competing on who gives what.
Speaking at the function, Ram Muivah said that IPFM hosting Ningol Chakkouba at Chadong for the first time to strengthen the bond between hill and valley people is commendable.
He also said that indigenous people who have been living together in Manipur for ages can never be separated.
Continuing that there is no festival like Ningol Chakkouba in any part of the world, the Naga MLA expressed desire for the people to host Ningol Chakkouba in hill districts every year.
He also said that Ningol Chakkouba is a cultural heritage of Manipur.
Further stating that Ningthourol Lambuba and Cheitharol Kumbaba are historical documents about the kings and history of Manipur and the same were translated to English by L Joychandra (The Lost Kingdom), he added that participation of people from 36 Tangkhul villages in digging Kanglapat and building the road stretch from the western gate of Kangla Fort to Ima Keithel by Tangkhul Nagas is clearly written in the Royal Chronicle.
He maintained that the Royal Chronicle not only makes it clear that Meeteis and  Nagas have been coexisting since ancient times but also reflects the cultural bond between the two indigenous communities.
Khuraijam Athouba, on the other hand, said that participation of Ningols belonging to different communities in today's celebration will play a key role in strengthening the ties between the indigenous people.
He also said that there is a need to build emotional integrity among the people to take Manipur  to greater heights.
Ashar Kashar also spoke at the event.
He said that people of Manipur can co-exist if the different communities work in the collective interest of Manipur instead of pursuing agendas exclusive to each of them.
Earlier Ningol Chakkouba was only celebrated in the central valley districts of Manipur, he said and added that IPFM decided to host the festival  at Chadong to foster a sense of unity among the people.
Ashang Kashar wished all the Ningols belonging to indigenous communities to  live a  healthy and prosperous life.