‘Be a peace ambassador’, Manipur Minister to Thangal community

Manipur’s Textiles, Commerce, and Industry, and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen spread the message of peace during the Platinum Jubilee celebration of the Thangal Union and inspired the Thangal community to be ambassadors of peace among the diverse communities in Mini-India Manipur.

The Thangal Union (Thangal Khanglong), the apex tribal body of the Thangal Naga community, celebrated its momentous platinum jubilee on Thursday under the theme, “Reminiscing Our Past and Envisioning Our Future Together” at Yaikongpao village in Kangpokpi District.

Addressing the mammoth gathering, Minister Nemcha Kipgen appreciated the tireless efforts and sacrifices of the Thangal Union leaders, founders, and other pioneers in making the Thangal Union a strong and responsible organisation in the state. Terming the Jubilee theme, “Reminiscing our past and envisioning our future together,” as an extreme necessity, the Minister said that when we can recollect our past unity, love, and care for one another and stand together for our future, shouldering one another’s problems and hardships, our state, Manipur, will automatically become a peaceful and developed state. She also urged the people of Thangal in particular and the state as a whole to ‘shed the clothes of disunity and embrace the spirit of oneness to make Manipur an advanced state’.
While recalling the immense contributions and supreme sacrifice of the Thangal people, Minister Nemcha said that the Thangal community is also a peace-loving community and inspired them to be an ambassador of peace among the diverse communities in the state.

The auspicious event was graced by Minister Nemcha Kipgen as Chief Guest, while Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen, Tadubi MLA N. Kayisii, and Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing attended the occasion as guests of honour and president of the Thangal Union, respectively, and YK. Kaping attended as the functional president.

Minister Nemcha Kipgen unveiled the Jubilee monolith and released the Jubilee balloon after it was dedicated and blessed by Rev. Cheijinba Rakhangmi, Executive Secretary, TNBA, before YK. Kaping, President, Thangal Union, unfurled the Thangal Union flag in the presence of the dignitaries.
Minister Nemcha Kipgen also released the souvenir published by the Thangal Union Platinum Jubilee Celebration Committee to commemorate the 75th year of the Thangal Union, established in 1947.

Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen, Tadubi MLA, N. Kayisii, and Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing also spoke on the occasion.

In his presidential address, Y.K. Kaping offered his deepest respect and homage to the dedicated Thangal Union leaders, the deceased, and those who are still alive.

He also said that the Thangal Union, or Thangal Khanglong, is the apex tribal body of the Thangal Naga community and has been playing a lead role in the overall development of the community since its inception in 1947. He added that despite many limitations on various issues, the Thangal Union never failed to play its part where the Thangal core is concerned.

He further said that the completion of 75 years is indeed a milestone in the history of any organization, and it is the right moment to reflect on the achievements of the past and to plan for the future.
The Thangal Union also felicitated outstanding achievers from the Thangal community in various fields and contributors for the success of the celebration while befittingly honoring the past and present leaders.

Thangal indigenous games, cultural dance, folk tunes, and contemporary Thangal songs marked the auspicious celebration.

Apart from various civil society organizations, Thangal chiefs, church leaders, Y.K. Sailas Thangal, IFS, Ambassador of India to Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and his wife also attended the occasion as chief patrons.

The momentous event culminated with a jubilee feast.

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