KHALVONTAWI - Voice of the Voiceless from Northeast India: 12/1/25

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Report: Khalvontawi Meet 2025 | M. Saalzang Village, Lamka

The Thangkhal community in Lamka joyfully celebrated Khalvontawi Meet 2025 with the theme “Celebrating Thangkhal Songs, Heritage, History & Culture” at M. Saalzang Village on the night of 29 December 2025. The event was marked by happiness, unity and strong cultural pride.

The programme was graced by Mr Mangminlal, social worker, as the Chief Guest. Pu T. Khaikhanhau, President of the Thangkhal Tribe Organisation (TTO GHQ), attended as Guest of Honour. The Functional President was Pu Lianminthang, President of the Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (TSP GHQ), while Pu Thangkholian, Chief of S. Munhoih, served as the Chief Host.

The first session began with an invocation prayer by Pastor T. Chinminlian, followed by a welcome address from Mr T. Mungnou, Vice-Chairman of Khalvontawi Meet 2025. This was followed by the singing of the TPO (Thangkhal Peoples' Organisation) Anthem, led by elder Zalianpau and his team.

A colourful showcase of traditional Thangkhal attire and costumes delighted the audience. The popular We Dance Academy, Lamka, presented stunning choreography with energetic dance performances.

Mr M. G. Muanlal Thangkhal, Chairman of Khalvontawi Meet 2025, presented tokens of gratitude and awards to outstanding Thangkhal personalities. The awardees included Pastor Thangdoulal for translating the Old Testament Bible into the Thangkhal dialect; Pastor Ginkhankap, for translating the New Testament Bible into Thangkhal dialect; Late Kapsuanthang, member of the Zomi Fins band and composer of the TSP Anthem (Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi); Late Thangkhanlam, the longest-serving President of the Thangkhal Peoples’ Organisation (now Thangkhal Tribe Organisation) and composer of the TPO Anthem; and elder Zalianpau, youth leader and lyricist of the TPO Anthem.

A token of appreciation (Pahtawina) was given to the Talai leh Tuhun (The Past & Present) film team, including:

(Late) Rev. Khaikhanthang – Director

(Late) Kamsuanlal (Served as pastor in MELC until his last breathed in 2025)
(Late) Thangchinsuan – Author, Khanglui Taangthu
Rev. Dr. Pum Za Thang Tombing – Acted as Pu Thawngluan (Thangkhal missionary); author
Chinghaunuam – Acted as the wife of Pu Thawngluan
Nianghoihkim – Acted as the daughter of Pu Thawngluan
TK Hang Suantak – Acted as Doctor
Dalzakam (Now missionary-pastor)
Mangminthang (Now pastor)
Didim – Singer
Chinggohniang
Pauhoihching
Nianghauching
Pauchinkhup
Khupsuanhau
Khupkhanlam
Chinkhankap
Thangsuanhang@Hangboi (Now Lecturer, Lawngtlai College, Mizoram)
Kamneithang
Kamkhanlian
Khupngaihniang, and
(Late) Thangkhal Khamminkhup Mate @ TK Mate – Director & Producer, Muanna Rose

The first session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Thangkhanlian, Chief of M. Saalzang Village and former President of the Thangkhal Students’ Union (TSP).

The second session featured a live concert by the Zomi Fins band, which thrilled the gathering and echoed across the Zo hills. The richness of Thangkhal songs, culture, costumes and history was clearly reflected throughout the performances.

Special invitees included leaders and representatives from the Thangkhal Tribe Organisation, Thangkhal Youth Organisation, Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi, Thangkhal Literature Society, all Thangkhal village chiefs, the Thangkhal Bible Church (IFCA-I) and the Thangkhal Baptist Church (ABA).

The fun-filled Khalvontawi Meet 2025 came to a memorable close under the smooth and lively compering of Mr Malsawm Thangkhal and Miss Ruthi Thangkhal, leaving everyone with lasting joy and pride.

For more photos, click KHALVONTAWI MEET 2025 | ALBUM

~ KHALVONTAWI MEDIA
(Voice of the voiceless)

NCST Notice on PM-DevINE Health Project Grievance

This notice informs the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Regions about an inquiry initiated by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) into a grievance alleging discrimination under the PM-DevINE health project in Manipur. The complaint relates to the provision of super speciality healthcare infrastructure in remote and hill districts. The NCST has scheduled a hearing on 15 January 2026 in New Delhi. The concerned authority has been directed to appear in person with all relevant records.

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The copy of the notice....

Date: 29.12.2025

Secretary,
Ministry of Development of North Eastern regions,
Room No.-233, Vigyan Bhavan Annexe,
Maulana Azad Road,
New Delhi -110011
Tel. No: 23022020

Sub: Grievance report regarding discrimination in respect of Central Financial Assistance under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) for the project “Providing Super Speciality and Assured Speciality Health Care in Remote and Hill Districts (Infrastructure & Equipment) in Manipur” – Letter dated 28.11.2024 from Shri Pao Minlen Haokip, Committee for Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur (Kuki Hills), Churachandpur District – 795128, Manipur.

Reference 1: Commission’s Notice of even number dated 10.01.2025 (copy enclosed).

Sir/Madam,
Whereas the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, as per the Constitutional mandate conferred upon it under Article 338A of the Constitution of India has decided to investigate in to the aforementioned matter. Shri Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Member, NCST has fixed Sitting on 15.01.2026 at 12:00 P.M. in the NCST Hqrs., Court Room, 6th Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi for investigation/inquiry to be taken in the aforesaid case.

Accordingly, you are requested to appear in person for examination before the Hon’ble Member on the above scheduled date and time along with full facts and all relevant original records/documents pertaining to the case.

Please take notice that in case you fail to attend the Sitting, the Commission is at liberty to exercise the powers of Civil Court under Clause (8) of Article 338A of the Constitution of India for enforcing your attendance before the Commission.

(K.D. Verma)
Deputy Secretary

Kuki-Zo Council Holds 3rd Governing Council Meeting

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) today convened its 3rd Governing Council Meeting at the VTI Auditorium, Rengkai, to deliberate on various agendas related to the prevailing issues affecting the community.

Constituent bodies representing different Kuki-Zo districts gathered to take part in the meeting, reflecting broad participation from across the region. The meeting is expected to discuss key concerns and chart a collective course of action on matters of importance to the Kuki-Zo people.