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)

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‘We Are Not Chinese,’ Says Tripura Student Before Fatal Racial Attack in Dehradun

People from Northeast India are often targeted because of their Mongoloid physical features.

Another life from Northeast India has been lost to racism, once again exposing how deep-rooted this problem is in the country. 

Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, died in a Dehradun hospital on 26 December 2025 after battling for his life for more than two weeks.

Anjel’s only “mistake” was standing up for his dignity. On 9 December, he and his younger brother Michael went out to buy groceries in the Selaqui area of Dehradun. There, a group of men allegedly stopped them and mocked them with racial slurs because of their appearance.

When Anjel calmly protested and said they were Indians, the situation turned violent. The attackers allegedly stabbed both brothers. Anjel suffered critical injuries and never recovered. Michael remains in hospital, fighting for his life.

“We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?” Anjel reportedly said before the attack. His words now echo the pain and anger of countless people from Northeast India who face similar abuse every day.

One of the most painful examples of racism against people from Northeast India was the killing of Nido Tania. He was the only son of his parents and just 21 years old. Nido, from Arunachal Pradesh, was brutally beaten in Delhi on 29 January 2014 and died the next day. He was reportedly targeted because of his hairstyle. His death sparked widespread protests and renewed demands for better protection and safety for Northeastern communities, who continue to face racism, discrimination, harassment, and violence across India.

This brutal killing has shaken the conscience of the nation. It is a painful reminder that racism is still alive in India. We strongly condemn this inhuman act and demand strict action against racial hatred. No Indian should die for the way they look.

Our hearts go out to the family of Anjel Chakma and to all those affected by this senseless act of hatred. We stand in solidarity with the people of Northeast India. Rest in peace, brother.

KHALVONTAWI NEWS

--- Voice of the Voiceless ---

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Munirka Delhi: Mini Northeast Hub of Culture and Commerce

MUNIRKA is a well-known locality in South Delhi. To its north lie Munirka Village and Hauz Khas, to the east are Vasant Vihar and IIT Delhi, to the south is Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and to the west are RK Puram and Vasant Kunj. Important institutions nearby include IIT Delhi, JNU, Vasant Vihar offices, embassies, and several government departments. Munirka is also well connected by public transport and has its own Metro station, making travel easy for students, workers, and shoppers across Delhi NCR.

Munirka began as a traditional village settlement and started expanding with Delhi’s urban growth in the 1960s and 1970s. Over time, it developed into a mixed residential and commercial area. Today, Munirka is widely recognised as one of the most important places for people from Northeast India. Many now describe it as a mini Northeast capital within Delhi.

Thousands of Northeasterners settled here for education, employment, and a sense of safety. Gradually, they opened small businesses. Today, Munirka is filled with vegetable shops, grocery stores, restaurants, beauty salons, garment shops, and start-ups run by people from Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, and other states. Many shops sell fresh and traditional items brought directly from home states, such as bamboo shoots, dried fish, fermented or stinky beans, pumpkins, soya beans, local greens, chillies, and wild fruits. If you are looking for Northeast vegetables and foods, do not hesitate to come to Munirka. It will go beyond your expectations.

The photos clearly show this lively trade. Baskets are full of dried fish, fermented foods, fresh greens, beans, pumpkins, and indigenous fruits. Hanging vegetables and neatly arranged produce reflect deep cultural roots and tireless effort. These sights often amaze visitors who are new to Northeast food culture.

Munirka has become a commercial hub, but challenges remain. House and shop rents have increased sharply, and electricity bills are often unregulated, charged at the landlords’ will. This writer once rented a 1BHK for Rs 4,000, which has now risen to Rs 12,000, along with rising electricity charges. Many Northeastern tenants worry about these unchecked increases.

The Covid-19 outbreak badly affected Northeastern shops, and many lives were lost. After the pandemic, slow recovery followed. The violence in Manipur further pushed many people to open grocery shops, restaurants, garment stores, cosmetic shops, and beauty salons to survive.

Despite difficulties, understanding between locals and Northeasterners has improved over the years. There is growing acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect in daily life. Many hope this relationship will grow even stronger in the future.

Today, people say, If you are lost anywhere in Delhi NCR, go to Munirka—you will see your own face. Some from Lamka lovingly call it “Sweet Lamka,” as home food, culture, and clothing styles are easily found here. 

A brief survey by this writer shows that Northeastern shopkeepers are hardworking, earning only modest incomes, yet supporting families back home. Munirka, despite its struggles, remains a lifeline and a cultural home away from home.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Munirka: 24.12.2025

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Munirka: A Thriving Commercial Hub for the Northeast Community

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