KHALVONTAWI - Voice of the Voiceless from Northeast India: Articles

A Unique Political Dynamic in Manipur: Civil Bodies and Their Limited Role

Across India, major political status demands—such as statehood or Union Territory status—were led by civilian leadership, including MLAs, MPs, and organised public movements. In Manipur, however, the political demand of the Zo ethnic groups (Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar) follows a different pattern: the Centre engages primarily with insurgent groups, not with civil society or elected representatives, resulting in the absence of a broad democratic movement.

Civil pressure groups like the KZC, ZC, and others exist, but they cannot become the main stakeholders because negotiations are centred on armed organisations. In this structure, civil bodies can only play a secondary role—providing community consensus, offering democratic legitimacy, advising negotiators, maintaining unity, and presenting civilian concerns through memoranda or elected leaders.

As a result, civil leaders are sidelined, public participation is limited, and the process appears security-driven rather than people-driven. Therefore, the goal ball now lies largely in the hands of the insurgent groups’ negotiation with the Centre.

Summary: Civil bodies—including KZC and ZC—cannot lead the political talks but hold an important supporting role by shaping opinion, preserving unity, and influencing the final settlement indirectly.

@Pakhum

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TBC (ABA) Delhi Advent Christmas 2025 | Album

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:

Obedience (thumannna)
Humility (kingaingaimna)
A Pure Heart (lungsim siangthou)
Submission (kipumpiakna)
Loving God (Pasian it ding)

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.

When the feast was ready, the local secretary announced it and explained how the meal would be served.

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

PROGRAMME | VAIGUAN

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Thangkhal Baptist Church (ABA) Delhi Advent Christmas 2025
Theme: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” - Luke 1:28

Amun: TBC (ABA), Delhi
Ani: 07.12.2025
Ahun: 11:00 AM -1:00 PM

Hunkem
Pa Bruce K. Thangkhal, B.D.
Member, L.C.C.

Hunhong:
Nu Hahat
Finance Secretary, Women Department

Praise & Worship

Special item
1. Sunday School Naupangte
2. Pa Hanglamthang & Family

MESSAGE
Pa Khamkholianthang
Secretary, L.C.C.

Special No.
Pa Khuplunlal
Finance Secretary, L.C.C

Thohlawm Dawnna: Hymn

Special No.:
Pa Sianpu
M. Div 1st Year Student
Caleb Institute, Gurugram, Haryana

Phuannop Hun: Saptuam toh kisai.

Hymn: Mipi.

Hunkhakna Thumna:
Pa Hausuankhai

NB: Family/Individual apat lasakna or Bible tanggenna programme kikal ah apoimoh banga hung kizep lut ding ahi chi'n ikitheisak uhi.
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TUANVAI PAPAITE | 06.12.'25