THEOLOGICAL STUDENT TE LEH GRADUATE SATE
AWLHA 08, 2025||SEPPATNI
Ukhrul, 8 Dec 2025: The Kuki Inpi Ukhrul District (KIU) has issued a strong condemnation against an uninvited and unauthorized visit made by MLA Y. Khemchand to the Litan Sareikhong Relief Camps. In a press release on Monday, the KIU described the sudden appearance of the MLA—accompanied by what it called an excessive number of security personnel—as a serious breach of protocol, propriety, and humanitarian sensitivity.
According to the KIU, the visit caused deep distress among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are still living under trauma and uncertainty. The apex Kuki body stated that such a visit was "profoundly disrespectful" to a community still awaiting justice, adding that true goodwill cannot be shown through political posturing.
In a sharp rebuke to MLA Khemchand, the KIU questioned his silence during the months when Kukis were "persecuted, displaced, and subjected to unimaginable cruelty." The organisation said that during those critical days, many lives were lost and villages were destroyed, yet no support or concern came from the MLA's office.
The KIU further alleged that the recent visit appeared to be a calculated political exercise designed to create a false sense of normalcy and allow certain political leaders to freely enter Kuki relief camps. It also accused the MLA of using the situation to promote his image within his community.
Clarifying its own position, the KIU noted that the limited movement of Meitei individuals through Ukhrul had been allowed out of respect for Tangkhul neighbours, whose commitment to peace had long been appreciated. This should not, it emphasised, be misinterpreted as permission for political figures to enter Kuki areas without protocol.
The KIU also criticised valley-based media houses for merging two unrelated events—MLA Khemchand's visit and a journalist's interview with an IDP inmate—claiming that this misrepresentation created a false narrative. It urged media outlets to uphold journalistic integrity.
The KIU reaffirmed that it remains steadfast in safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of the Kuki people, vowing to ensure that all future engagements strictly follow established procedures.
THE photo shows large pieces of Khuainou, a traditional honeycomb collected from the forest. The combs are cut open, revealing hundreds of white larvae packed inside each cell. Some sections have a little, big round shape in the middle, which is called “Khuaiphaang.” They are all spread out on a wooden table, ready to be cleaned or prepared.
For the Thangkhals, gathering Khuainou has been a common practice for generations. People usually go deep into the jungle, climb tall trees, and carefully remove the combs from wild bee hives.Khuainou is not
only a traditional food but also an important source of income. Today, it has
become quite valuable because of its taste and nutritional benefits. In the
local markets of Lamka, one kilogram can cost around Rs 2,500. Even though collecting it is risky and requires
skill, it remains a meaningful part of Thangkhal culture and livelihood.
Photo credit: Mr Suasuan, Kotlian village, Thangkhal Hills
~ KHALVONTAWI MEDIA
The Thangkhal Baptist Church (ABA) Delhi celebrated Advent Christmas 2025 on Sunday, 7 December 2025, at its chapel. The theme for this year was, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28)
For the first time, the local secretary, Mr. Khamkholianthang—known for his calm, kind-hearted, and thoughtful nature—took the pulpit to deliver the Christmas message. Speaking on the theme, he shared a simple and clear sermon titled “How We Can Receive the Word of God” (Pasian Aw I Tang Theihna Ding). He explained six important points:His message was short, peaceful, and
direct. He also encouraged the members by reminding them, “We have to count
our blessings.”
LEENGKHAWM – Singing and Fellowship
After the worship service, the
congregation gathered at the Pastor’s Quarters for lengkhawm.
Lengkhawm literally means “flying together”, but in practice it is a
heartfelt time of singing soulful hymns while beating a traditional handmade
drum. It brings joy, unity, and spiritual warmth to the gathering.
Meanwhile, Ms. Chingthianmawi,
Secretary of the TBCD Women Department, shared an important achievement: the
church has completed reading the entire Thangkhal Bible—from Genesis to
Revelation—on this very day.
This Bible reading project was initiated by the Women Department and began on Sunday, 2 March 2025. It concluded on 7 December 2025. On the final day alone, 43 members read different chapters to complete the whole Bible.
Each Sunday, after worship, members went to the Pastor’s Quarters and read at least one chapter, which was recorded in a register. With 41 Sundays this year, the church successfully read the Bible from beginning to end.The church thanked the Women
Department for leading this meaningful project, and all glory was given to God.
Grand Feast and Thanksgiving
The senior-most member present, Mr.
Ginsuanhang, prayed a thanksgiving prayer and asked for God’s blessings over
the feast.
A variety of delicious dishes was
prepared by members of the Local Church Committee. The aroma was so tempting
that, as the local secretary humorously noted, “even a cat came to check and
went back with a bent neck!”
A Note from the Church’s History
Thangkhal Baptist Church Delhi (ABA)
was inaugurated on Sunday, 2 September 2018, by the late Rev. Khaikhanthang, in
the presence of two elders from the TBC (ABA) Headquarters—Upa Thangsuanhang
(late) and Upa Kampau.
PHOTO GALLERY