Curb on foreign tourists’ visit to 3 NE states lifted

In a New Year bonanza for Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, the Centre has lifted a decades-old rules of obtaining permission by any foreigner visiting the three northeastern states.

"The government has decided to exclude Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland from the Protected Area regime notified under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, initially for a period of one year," a Home Ministry statement said.

However, all foreigners visiting these states will have to register themselves with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the district they visit within 24 hours of their arrival.

Where Christ answers to over 50 names

Guwahati, Dec. 24: Apart from a home that is hundreds of years old, Jesus Christ has a name amid the mountains and rivers of the Northeast. He’s Isua in Mizo, Yisui in Ao, Jesun in Thadou, Isu in Hmar, Poupa Jesu in Paite, Isuan in Ranglong, Jisunii in Maram and Pakai Jesu in Kuki. 

The Bible has been translated into 57 languages in the region and the figure is expected to touch 100 by Christmas next year.

Zoumi folk art festival held:Thangkhal Cultural Dance Show

Imphal, December 12 2010: The Paite Tribe Council, Churachandpur in coordination with Department of Arts and Culture, government of Manipur and Kolkata based Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre yesterday organized a Folk Art Festival of Zoumi at YPA Hall, Upper Lamka, CCpur.

A modern cultural dance performed by ZMC under the theme 'Shifting Cultivation and Cloth Making' marked the opening ceremony of the festival.
In a speech, Deputy Commissioner, CCpur, Ms Jacintha Lazarus IAS said that in every civilization, the annals of culture are protected and it is nice to be associated with Paite Tribe Council.

Thangkhal New Testament Bible Internet sung a koih hiding

Apaisa July 18, 2010 a ki hongkhia Thangkhal Bible pen leitung munchin a mikhat peuh in asim theih na ding deihna in internet sung ah koih ding lunggel kinei hi. Internet sung ah om hitaleh internet connection nei khat peuh in a ut hun hun adeih hun hun in simthei ziau ding ahihman in Khalvontawi mun tuam tuam a om te ading in phatuam in nuam tuam mahmah ding hi. Tuchiang in Khalvontawite zong khovel mun tuamtuam ah ikithehthang ta ua, hard copy vakithot pen alemtan louh hun jong omjel hi. Hih project pen Thangkhal Bible 1st Anniversary ni chiang a honkhiak ding lungtup kinei a, isite neihsun uh Thangkhal.blogspot.com sung ah adeih peuh in download theih ding a koih hiding hi. BSI apat phalna lak apoimoh leh zong lakding chih ahi. Hih project sukpiching na ding in mi bangjah hiam chomngaihna kideih a amaute'n phone call/e-mail tungtawn in zaksakna ngah ding uhi. Internet sung a koih ahih ding ban ah Mobile Version jong sawtlou a bawl ding dan lunggel kinei a, ilunggel te sukpiching ahihtheih na ding in Toupa kiang a ithumna te ah aap chiat ni.

Thangkhal Tribe Recognition Demand Committee

Thangkhal Tribe Recognition pen ahatzaw sem ding tupna in hih anuai ate Thangkhal Tribe Recognition Demand Committee ding a telkhiak in om hi.

Chairman:  Pu Pauminlianthang
Secretary: Pu Khuphenpau
Finance Secy.: Upa Zalianpau 
Treasurer : Nu Niangngaihlian


Source: Khalvontawi, Vol.V, Issue 4

Where Christ answers to over 50 names

The Holy Scripture in Thangkhal

Guwahati, Dec. 24: Apart from a home that is hundreds of years old, Jesus Christ has a name amid the mountains and rivers of the Northeast. He's Isua in Mizo, Yisui in Ao, Jesun in Thadou, Isu in Hmar, Poupa Jesu in Paite, Isuan in Ranglong, Jisunii in Maram and Pakai Jesu in Kuki.

The Bible has been translated into 57 languages in the region and the figure is expected to touch 100 by Christmas next year.

Dr Zaihmingthanga, associate director (translation) of Bible Society of India, Shillong Translation Centre, told The Telegraph that the Bible has been translated so far into Adi, Anal Naga (Pakan), Angami Naga, Ao Naga, Assamese, Bengali, Biate, Boro, Bru, Chang Naga, Dimasa, Gangte, Garo, Hmar, Galo, Hrangkhol, Hmar, Karbi, Khasi, Khiamnuingan Naga, Komrem, Konyak Naga, Kuki and Kyong Naga (Lotha), Liangmai Naga, Lamkang Naga, Lai, Manipuri (Meitei), Mara (Lakher), Maring Naga, Maram Naga, Mao Naga, Mizo (Lushai), Moyon Naga, Monsang Naga, Nokte Naga, Paite, Phom Naga, Poumai Naga, Rabha, Ranglong, Rengma Naga, Rengma (North) Naga, Rongmei Naga, Sumi Naga, Sangtam Naga, Sema Naga, Tangkhul Naga, Tangsa Naga, Thadou Kuki, Thangal Naga, Thangkhal, Tiddim Chin, Vaiphei, Yimchungru Naga, Zeme Naga and Zou (Zomi).

Thanga said while the Bible was first translated into Assamese in 1820 that the latest translation was in Nokte, a language spoken by an indigenous group in Arunachal Pradesh.

"The Northeast has diverse languages and we are working on the translation projects for those who are in need of the Bible. We are doing the translation for the benefit of the Christian people for whom the Bible is the basic foundation of their faith. It will be made available to those who aspire to read it. Even though the project is not aimed at popularising Christianity, the demand for translation of the Bible is increasing every day. The holy book is selling hugely among Mizos after it was translated in their language," he said.

Thanga said the new principle of translation aims at transferring the content into local idioms and expressions. The idea is to reach out to all sections, the young and the old, the learned and the barely literate and the womenfolk.

According to Thanga, the translation is done meticulously to ensure that the text of the Bible is not diluted.

He said each indigenous community nominates a linguistic scholar to translate the Bible into its language.

Thanga also added that the Bible Society of India has a team of experts that compares the translated version of the Bible with the Old Testament in Hebrew and New Testament in Greek.

The translation is approved only after the content matches the original text.

Source: The Telegraph, Kolkata, India [Dec.25, 2010]

JAC Protests Khuga Dam Inauguration, Demands Full Project Completion

New Delhi, October 13, 2010: The ongoing beautification efforts at Khuga Dam, aimed at a potential inauguration by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 26, have spurred the Joint Action Committee (JAC) into action. The Committee recently travelled to the capital to meet with political leaders and has announced its readiness to protest the inauguration unless all components of the dam are fully completed and meet the satisfaction of the people of Churachandpur district in Manipur.

PIC: BKT

A three-member delegation from the JAC on the Khuga Dam Project arrived in New Delhi on October 5. The delegation comprises Rampana, Chairman of the JAC; Lalpu Hangshing, JAC Secretary; and Seipao Misao, Secretary of Kuki Inpi Churachandpur. On Tuesday, a consultation meeting was held at Mizoram House in Vasant Vihar, where the Committee engaged in in-depth discussions with various social organizations, civil societies, student bodies, and NGOs. The delegation is also expected to meet with Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, on Wednesday. The JAC was formed on July 23, 2010.

The Khuga Dam Multipurpose Project is situated at Mata village, approximately 10 kilometres from Lamka town in Churachandpur. Construction began in 1983 with an initial sanction of Rs. 1.64 crore from the Planning Commission of India. To date, the State Government has invested Rs. 350 crore in the project.

The dam is intended to provide 1.5 megawatts of hydroelectric power, supply 5 million gallons of water, and support an irrigation canal system covering 9,575 hectares, with the potential to create 15,000 hectares of annual irrigation in the Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts.

However, Seipao Misao, Secretary of Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, expressed grave concerns about the dam’s quality. He stated, “Once the dam is inaugurated, the fate of our land is beyond imagination. The dam has been built with sub-standard materials, and its construction has been mismanaged. Some sections have already developed cracks, and the dam may not last for many years. It could burst one day.”

Misao highlighted the risks to numerous villages that could be devastated by the dam’s potential failure. The dam’s two main canals — the Right Canal (Eastern side) and Left Canal (Western side) — pass through several villages. The Eastern Canal traverses Saipum, M. Simol, Vengnomphai, Misao Lhahvom, Mualsan, Mualpi, Mualkot, Sumtuhphai, Daijang, Ngurte, Tuikham, Thenmol, Tuibul, and Mualbem villages, while the Western Canal passes through Mata, Lhingshiphai, Nakhopai, Tualnuam, and Thingkangphai villages. “These areas are at high risk, and many other villages could also be washed away by the waters of Khuga Dam,” he added.

PIC: BKT

In a tragic incident on December 14, 2005, villagers affected by the dam’s construction protested against the government. Police opened fire on the protestors, resulting in three deaths and over 25 injuries.

Rampana, Chairman of the JAC, questioned the government’s claims about the project’s benefits. He remarked, “Though Khuga Dam is expected to generate 1.5 MW of power, the Power House is now submerged. The irrigation canal, which was supposed to irrigate 68 kilometres, barely reaches one kilometre. Where is the truth in the government’s promises?”

The Public Health & Engineering Department has constructed water reservoirs in Rengkai, New Lamka, Salem Veng, and Thingkangphai. However, reports indicate that these reservoirs remain dry, with not a single drop of water available.

Despite promises of compensation, resettlement, and rehabilitation for affected villagers, none of these measures have been fully implemented. As part of the rehabilitation policy, the government paid Rs. 3,000 per family instead of the promised Rs. 30,000.

The Khuga Dam Local Contractor’s Association has also demanded that the State Government release a pending bill of Rs. 16.02 crore.

JAC Secretary Lalpu Hangshing voiced frustrations about restricted access to the dam site, stating, “We are not allowed to visit the site by security personnel. Our fundamental rights are being suppressed by the government.”

Rampana also criticized political leaders for their inaction. “We have made numerous complaints and requests to politicians, ministers, and MLAs, but our efforts have been in vain. Some even responded with ‘Silence is Golden.’ We no longer trust the state, so we have come to Delhi,” he said.

On Tuesday, leaders from various organizations, including the All Tribal Students Union Manipur, Kuki Students Organization, Zomi Students Federation, Hmar Students Association, Siamsinpawlpi (Paite Students Welfare Association), Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organization, Zomi Human Rights Foundation, Delhi Hmar Welfare Association, and Campaign for Peace & Democracy in Manipur, expressed their views and support for the affected people of Churachandpur.

The Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organization has also recently protested against the proposed Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak River in Manipur.

The Khuga Dam project has displaced thousands of people, leaving them impoverished, hungry, and homeless. For the tribal communities in Manipur, the word ‘dam’ has become synonymous with suffering and despair.

 ~ Bruce K. Thangkhal, New Delhi

Mate Tribes resolve

IMPHAL, Sep 30 [TSE] : Three significant resolutions were adopted during the Central Executive meeting of the Mate Tribe Council, Manipur held today at the conference hall of Hotel Nirmala, said a statement issued to the press today. With the vice president of the Mate Tribe Council, N Mate presiding the function, the gathering passed three resolutions, which read as, "The Mate Tribe Council, Manipur from its inception has been pursuing for a distinct identity. In the course of our struggle, MTC, Manipur has not opened a joint dialogue with any other Mate organisations; The Mate Tribe Council, Manipur has no knowledge regarding the Mate Phungpi Assembly proposed to be held at Tengnoupal village, Chan-del district from October 14 to 17, 2010.

A BLATANT MISTAKE OF TOI

Today's TIMES OF INDIA carries a photo caption "India team was heralded by a girl in Naga dress" in the front page lead photo [inset:thumb size]. Actually it was not a 'Naga dress' but it's a Mizo traditional dress. Why this blatant mistake crept up in India's topmost paper? It's time that TOI need some NE faces! Or must pay little attention to NE regions to avoid further mistake. Anyway, a letter to editor has been sent immediately. You can see this 'Mizo dress' in our paper MAIL TODAY at page 34 [Oct 4, 2010]. Or Log on www.mailtoday.in   - Bruce K. Thangkhal New Delhi

JNU to adopt new admission policy for OBC

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi, September 21, 2010:  JAWAHARLAL Nehru University ( JNU) is all set to introduce a new admission policy for OBC candidates.

Under this, there will be 10 per cent relaxation in the minimum eligibility criteria for OBC candidates.

The move is prompted by a recent Delhi High Court order asking the JNU administration to change its definition of ' cut- off' for OBC students.

The new rule is expected to benefit more than 300 OBC students who have been wrongly denied admission in the current session. Earlier, an OBC student was given 10 per cent relaxation from the marks secured by the " last- admitted" general category candidate. This had led to the denial of admission to many students. Now, the minimum eligibility criteria for such candidates will be 10 per cent less than that of general category students. For example, if it is 50 per cent for the general category, the same will now become 40 per cent for OBCs.

In the verdict, Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said: " The legislative intent has to be given full impact and cannot be whittled down by executive decisions.

The policy adopted by the respondents, Union of India and Jawaharlal Nehru University, amounts to the executive taking away what the legislature has given to OBCs." " Requiring OBC candidates to secure marks within 10 per cent bandwidth of the last candidate admitted in the General ( Unreserved) category amounts to requiring the OBC candidates to compete with the general ( Unreserved) category candidates, which is contrary to the concept of reservation.

Courtesy: MAIL TODAY

http://epaper.mailtoday.in/Details.aspx?boxid=31451531&id=42355&issuedate=2192010

National Commission for Minorities: Forgotten Chingmeirong Church Attack

Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 Subject: for Immediate Release - National Commission for Minorities Summoned Manipur Chief Secretary. AICC Submitted Fact Finding Report on Christian Attacks in Manipur For Immediate Press Release NCM Summoned Manipur Chief Secretary on Forgotten Chingmeirong Church Attack 15 Days Notice Served for Submission of Charge Sheet All India Christian Council Submitted Fact-Finding Report Demanded a Christian Member Appointed in State Minority Commission For details, Madhu Chandra - Public Relation Secretary can be contacted at +91 9716004939

Four arrested for murdering a cop

Bruce K. Thangkhal NEW DELHI, Sep 7, 2010: The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Monday arrested four persons including two women for murdering a retired Delhi Police sub-inspector on the intervening night of August 23 and 24. The accused identified as Raju (28), Suraj (30), Vandana (30) and Seema (35). All the accused are residents of Delhi Cantonment.

A Manipur Girl Molested By Restro Manager in New Delhi

A Manipur Girl Molested By Restro Manager in New Delhi Bruce K. Thangkhal   New Delhi: A Manipuri woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by her manger in a restaurant in Connaught place in Delhi on August 24.   Preeti (name changed), belonging to a Naga community in Manipur had been working as a temporary waitress in WoW restaurant in the Connaught Place area of New Delhi District for the last three months. The woman claimed that she had allegedly been manhandled and assaulted by her manager at the restaurant. A medical examination was conducted after her allegations and a written complaint to the police. The police registered a case of molestation under IPC 354 and IPC 323 for hurt.

New Testament Bible in Thangkhal dialect released

New Delhi: In a significant event for the Thangkhal peoples, a New Testament Bible in Thangkhal dialect has been released in Manipur for the first time on July 18, 2010. The Thangkhals who did not have Church for more than 40 years and Bible for almost 30 years in the past could now leap in boundless joy.

New Testament Bible in Thangkhal dialect released

Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi, July 20, 2010: In a significant event for the Thangkhal peoples, a New Testament Bible in Thangkhal dialect has been released in Manipur for the first time on July 18. The Thangkhals who did not have Church for more than 40 years and Bible for almost 30 years in the past could now leap in boundless joy.

Brief history
‘Thangkhal is a dialect-based community in Manipur. The word ‘Thangkhal’ derives from its village name, somewhere in Myanmar’s Chin hills, in which the Zous and Sukte tribes settled together in olden days. Haidawi, Khodai, Khuongnung, Tungkuo and Thangkhal are considered as the composite dialects of Zou tribe.

Thangkhal comprised of different clans practising same custom, culture and tradition from time immemorial. This lesser-known group ranging from 2000-3500 population identified themselves as ‘Thangkhal’ is constantly seeking tribe recognition. Thangkhal dialect is closely related to Paite, Tedim and Zou dialect.

The Thangkhal fore-fathers set-up their first home at ‘Mulam village’ in the southern part of Churachandpur, the exact year is yet unknown. Mulam, literally means ‘an eagle casting over its prey’.

Early Church
The first Thangkhal church ‘Thangkhal Christian Association’ was established on April 4, 1981 at M. Tanglian village, about 15 kms away from Lamka town (Churachandpur). Since then the Thangkhal peoples unified in one denomination. M. Tanglian is the new location of Mulam. The initial ‘M’ stands for Mulam.

Arrival of the Gospel
Known for their fierce ‘head hunting’, the villages of Thangkhals remained untouched for many decades. These dreaded warriors in Churachandpur hills received the gospel in 1939. A pastor from Evangelical Convention Church (Now EBCC) called ‘Thawngluan’ landed at T. Khazang village on March 7, 1939. This hamlet soon became the epicentre of Christianity in ‘Thangkhal Kual’, the hilly lands occupied by the Thangkhals in Manipur.

Organisations
In Manipur, Thangkhal Peoples’ Organisation and Thangkhal Youth Organisation was formed in 1978. The Zomi Fins (music band) formed in 1985 and Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (students’ union) in 1987.

The Bible
Earlier several attempts failed to obtain the permission of Bible translation. For the first and the foremost in the history of Thangkhals, a New Testament Bible in Thangkhal dialect has been remarkably released by Rev. Dr. Z. K. Rochil, Auxiliary Secretary, Bible Society of India, Dimapur at Churachandpur’s Thangkhal Bible Church in Tuibuang village on July 18, 2010. Over 1000 crowd gathered at the historic event.

Rev. Dr. Zaihmingthanga, Assistant Director, BSI, Shillong, who tirelessly paved ways for Bible translation, could not attend the gathering. He send his greetings to the Thangkhals. The Thangkhal Bible Church has expressed their ‘heartfelt thanks’ to him.

On this auspicious day, Dr. Rochil encouraged the gatherings: “I want the Thangkhals should have a complete Holy Bible atleast during my tenure. I am ready to help the Thangkhals as much as I can in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The audience applauded Dr. Rochil’s words.

Speaking to our reporter over telephone from Manipur yesterday, a senior Thangkhal Bible Church leader Rev. Khaikhanthang, said “20,000 Bible has arrived now. One would be priced at Rs. 50. We are overwhelmed by the new Bible. We are very happy so much so that we could not express our happiness. Too see the much-awaited Bible for over many decades, is really amazing.”

“The news of the arrival of Thangkhal Bible touched each and every corner of the Thangkhals in Manipur. People sang jubilantly on this day. Everyone is happy to see the Bible. Even the Sunday collection on the releasing day touched Rs. 3945. This is the largest collection in a single day so far,” he added.

“It’s really great to have Bible in our own dialect. We’ve waited for so long,” says Mr. Kammuanmung, a Ph D student in JNU, New Delhi.

Behind the successful of this newly released Bible, the worth-mentioning prominent Thangkhals were Shri Ginsuanhau, President, United Zou Organisation, Manipur, for contributing Rs. 50,000; Shri Khamthang, Chief of Zoukhonuam and Shri Thangkhenhang, Chief of S. Zezaw village, for contributing Rs. 5000 each. From faith promised Rs. 10,000 collected and another Rs. 10,000 gathered from various sources. These are the total cost of the released Bible. One New Testament Bible cost Rs. 40 in printing.

Rev. Ginkhankap, B.A., M. Th., began the New Testament translation in May 2006. The same translator is preparing to carry out the next herculean task for another five or six years.

Eima sung thu thang......

> Tg. Lamboi in Bangalore a Bible Course zil ding in July khabul lam in Delhi nuse ta hi. Amah ahihleh Pastor(Retd.) Khamchinhang, S.Munhoih Vangkhua a om tapa ahi hi. Tg. Lamboi in Gilead Evangelical Theological Seminary, Bangalore ah kum thum course M.Div. zil ding hi. Aman lohchingtak a ahung zawh theih ideihsak thu site tungtawn in ikhak hi.

> Mitampi lunglutna leh muhjohlouhna New Delhi a om Jawaharlal Nehru University a BA(Languages course) ah Thangkhal lia nih in admission mu uhi.

> Thu kija dan in sawtlou in i suan mah mah uh Pastor Langkhanthang jong US apat hung kileh in Delhi ah omta ding hi.

Southern Manipur Gospel Centenary Celebration: 1910 - 2010

"Churachandpur Christians to light up India Gate in Commemorate of Gospel Centenary Celebration: 1910 - 2010"

New Delhi, May 02, 2010: "The early missionaries had suffered all kinds of tortures and sufferings for You and Me. It is time for the Christians to shine our light to everyone and become the source of blessings for the non-believers," said Rev. Wilson S. Gangte, Chairman, Southern Manipur Gospel Centenary Celebration Committee Delhi (SMGCCD), here on Thursday night.

Many reasons to joy for the Christians of Churachandpur district, a two-day long Gospel Centenary celebration with a theme of 'Let Your Light So Shine (Matthew 5:16)' will be held at EBCC Chapel, Dwarka and Dogra Hall, IIT Delhi on May 7 and May 8, respectively.

However, Churachandpur with a theme: "Darkness to Light (Isaiah 9:2)" shall be celebrating at Lamka Public Ground from May 4-7.

Shri Thangzalun Khuptong, Coordinator, Physical Arrangement (SMGCCD) said: "On May 7, in the evening, there will be a Candle Lighting Ceremony at India Gate."

This will be a symbolic expression of shinning the gospel throughout the length and breadth of our country.

Let our faith reach the unreached." He added, "Everything is finalized. We have earmarked a budget of Rs.3.5 lakhs for the celebration. I believed this centenary will culminate a sense of unity among the Christians in Manipur".

The idea of Joint Celebration was spelled-out for the first time in the meeting of several Church Leaders held at EBCC, Dwarka on October 10, 2009.With the initiative of EBCC Church Leaders, a Southern Manipur Gospel Centenary Celebration Committee Delhi (SMGCCD) was formed on October 24, 2009.

The Organising Committee visited different churches in Delhi during February and March, this year.

The committee is pivotal in carrying out many activities. Mr. T Zamlunmang Zou, Publicity, Souvenir Board, said: "Gospel Centenary souvenir GOSCENT is ready, yet to be released. It contains valuable records and writings. This will be the biggest asset for the young generation."

As of now, some of the Lamka-based Churches in Delhi are Delhi Hmar Christian Fellowship (DHCF), Evangelical Baptist Convention Church (EBCC), Evangelical Organisation of Churches (EOC), Gangte Christian Fellowship (GCF), Kuki Worship Service (KWS), Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church Delhi (MELCD), New Testament Bible Church (NTBC), Presbyterian Church of India (Reform) [PCI(R)], Vaiphei Christian Fellowship (VCF) and Zomi Christian Fellowship (ZCF).

Besides, around 20 churches in Delhi were also invited in the centenary. Prominent persons such as Rev. Dr. T Pum Za Thang, President, Gilead Evangelical Theological Seminary (GETS), Bangalore and Rev. M. Khamkhanchin, Chaplain, Young Christian Leadership Training (YCLT), Maharashtra will deliver the gospel message during the centenary.

"Gospel Centenary will be a landmark for the Christians in Churachandpur. It will be a blessing day for all of us. It will bring many people together on one platform. This can be a road map for unity in the future and a strong foundation for the next centenary," said over telephone Rev. Lalrosiem Songate, General Secretary, Southern Manipur Gospel Centenary Celebration, Churachandpur.

Churachandpur, the locals preferably called 'Lamka', is one of the eight districts of Southern Manipur.

The land is inhabited by Aimol, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Hmar, Kom, Mizo, Paite, Simte, Thadou, Tedim, Vaiphei, Zou tribes from time immemorial. It is a land of culture and traditions. The land is infamous for ethnic fights! .

The year 1910 was the turning point in the history of Manipur, especially for Churachandpur. Aizawl based Welsh missionary Watkin R. Roberts along with Mr. Lungpau and Mr. Thangkai, who were studying at Aizawl, came to Senvon village in Churachandpur on 7 May, 1910.

Watkin R. Robert was invited by the curious Village Chief of Senvawn, Shri Kamkholun Singson to explain 'what Gospel is.' Roberts began his preaching in this village. Soon the good news spread like the wildfire and reached the entire hills of Churachandpur. This led to a massive transformation of old-age traditional religion into Christianity among the tribals. Thereafter, May 7 has been observed as the missionary day in Churchandpur.

Rev. William Pettigrew was the first English missionary to land in Manipur on 6 February 1894. He started a Lower Primary School at Imphal but failed due to strong opposition of the locals. This compelled him to move to Ukhrul district.

There he started another school and began his ministry among the Tangkhuls. Later, Ukhurl became the seed of Christianity in the Northern Manipur. This is how Manipur has two missionary days.
 
In Manipur, Rs.12 lakhs is budgeted for Gospel Centenary Celebration. More than 20 Churches is expected to take part in the celebration.

Rev. Lalrosiem Songate has expressed his greetings to the people: "Though the Christians in Churchandpur are divided into numerous denominations, our God is one. No one is greater or lesser."

"Today, we are socially and politically apart. We shall be one in heaven one day. Let the Gospel Centenary Celebration bring peace and happiness to each and everyone."

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal, New Delhi

GOSPEL CENTENARY: A HOLLOW CELEBRATION

- Bravepitt Zomi@facebook

The much hype celebration of Southern Manipur Gospel Centenary makes me sick, REALLY SICK. I wonder how we could celebrate such our blunder and misconception of Christianity. If we ever believe in the Holy Bible, there is no point of celebrating 100 years of our blunder. Well, I guess, you may think that Christianity had brought us a lot – it gave us education, religion, et al. Thanks to the pioneer missionaries that they taught us some sort of reading and writing. They taught us some medicinal healings and usages. However, that does not complete the whole story. They taught us to read and write 100 years ago but how many of us put to use our readings and writings to develop our society and people today. How many of us became officers or businessman due to that reading and writing taught to us 100 years ago. Even after 100 years of learning the wrong and right through the Gospel – the Holy Bible – we could not dare to identify what is right or wrong. Is this what we are going to celebrate! Even after 100 years of hearing the Good Gospel unendingly and almost everyday of the week, we could not give a helping hand to the poor and the needy. Of course, we do but with a price, that’s it.

Northeast needs "space" in mainstream media

New Delhi: “The need of the hour is to change the Babu mentality of mainstream editors which had often ignored the northeast issues in the mainstream newspapers”, said Syed Zarir Hussain, Managing Editor of News Live TV, a leading satellite TV channel in Assam’s main city of Guwahati.

Why the media has little space for northeast issues? This is the common question that raises the heads of the northeasterners in today’s world.

The Foundation for Media Professionals in collaboration with the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library organised the 11th Media Dialogue on “North East: Fallen off the Media Map?” at NMML’s Auditorium, Teen Murti Bhawan on March 31, 2010.

Mrs Sevanti Nianan, Editor of The Hoot, a media watch website chaired the seminar. The seminar was attended by professors, retired civil servants, scholars, writers, social activists, media persons and students. She is a columnist in the Hindu.

The following prominent journalists and experts from the Northeast states had discussed the issues in the seminar: (i) Mr Subir Bhaumik, a well-known Northeast India & Bangladesh specialist, BBC Eastern India Correspondent and author of “Troubled Periphery: Crisis of India’s North East”. (ii) Mr R S Pandey, Former Chief Secretary, Nagaland, a former Interlocutor and GOI representative for the Naga peace talks, a 1972 batch IAS officer of Nagaland cadre, has also won the prestigious ‘United Nations Public Service Award-2008’ in New York. (iii) Mr. Syed Zarir Hussain, a Guwahati-based 16 years news agency journalist and the Managing Editor of Assam’s popular News Live TV Channel. (iv) Prof. Sanjoy Hazarika, Professor of Centre For North East Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University, the first and foremost northeast person who began his career in Hindustan Times as Sub-Reporter and later joined The Statesman and the New York Times in the early 80’s, he had started ‘Online Journalism News’ with five northeast journalists in 1995. (v) Mr. Pradip Phanjoubam, the Editor of the first Manipur’s English newspaper, The Imphal Free Press, who was once kidnapped by the militants and faced several threats from unidentified miscreants, and (vi) Mr. Debang, Former Managing Editor, NDTV India, a well-known northeast figure in the electronic media in New Delhi.

A veteran northeast journalist and BBC Eastern India correspondent, Subir Bhaumik strongly criticised, “The northeast people who had reached the top managerial post in the media did not even carry the northeast issue in the newspaper. Their attitude is seriously mainstream feelings. The level of awareness about northeast states among the mainstream journalists is very low”. He added, “Most of the stories given by the northeast journalist were not pick up by the editors of mainstream newspapers.” Mr Bhaumik opened the seminar topic with a slice of true jokes which caught great applauses from the audience. He spoke brave and bold, and hit the bull’s eye. The audience exclaimed in great wonder!

In northeast, the condition of journalists is worsening day by day. Several working journalists were shot dead. Protection of the journalist is more valued than any good news package in the Northeast. Does India have shown enough concern in the human rights issues of the northeast?

The Editor of Imphal Free Press, Pradip Phanjoubam said, “How do we tell the past with a sense of actuality? We are always looking the objective. But the objective does not always cover the entire story”. He also pointed out that journalists working in Delhi who had just met and talked to the politicians or ministers does not represent the whole story.”

According to Mr Phanjoubam, Manipur daily newspapers earned the worst income among the northeast newspapers. Last year, the Imphal Free Press earned 6 lakhs, the Sangai Express 10 lakhs, the Assam Tribune 28 lakhs and the Mizoram Post 45 lakhs. The media organisation needs the intervention of the state government in the market policy.

Today, the northeast people were seen as poor people in the mainland cities. There is lack of understanding between the mainland and the northeast. The failure of the media professionals in finding the depth of the psyche of the northeast’s alienation is a great concern.

R S Pandey, former Chief Secretary, Nagaland had cited that the proliferation of the news coverage of the northeast in the mainstream media is much less beyond imagination. He articulately analyzed that the mainland media has known the northeast states as the land of violence, which is not completely true. “The coverage of the problems is less than 4% of its reality. There are so many world records made by the northeast states which went unheard throughout the country. For instance, the tallest rice-plant in Nagaland, the hottest chilly in Meghalaya, the Loktak Lake and the women market in Manipur, and the recent Guinness world record of ‘Largest Bamboo Dance’ by Mizoram. The bamboo dance was only live telecasted in the Times Now channel,” Mr Pandey said.

A Guwahati based IANS journalist and Managing Editor of News Live TV, Syed Zarir Hussain had pointed out, “It is sad to say that 80% of the top policy makers in the media had not been into the north east. They did not know what the regions look like or feel the pulse of the people. The mainstream media only wants violence and crimes story from the northeast. This is what I was once asked by an editor.”

Mr Debang, fomer Managing Editor, NDTV India said “TV is a powerful media but not adequate in terms of delivering news. We have to understand the nature of TV. TRP has decided the entire programmes and policies of the channel. The problem of northeast is - too far, too small, and no proper communication to sell products. It is entirely different from the mainland. In the northeast, something happens throughout the season.”

Prof. Sanjoy Hazarika sharply emphasized that the northeast states are the place to produce the best stories in the media. He said, “Mr Shekhar Gupta, Editor of the Indian Express and Mr B G Verghese, Editor of the Hindustan Times (1969-75) and Indian Express (1982-86), and author of India’s Northeast Resurgent had done numerous marvelous stories out of northeast, since they had been into the northeast regions. Thus the coverage of the northeast issues by the Indian Express is comparatively higher than their counterparts.”

It is the right time to sensitize the people in the media to cover the northeast states. There would be enough people throughout the country who would like to read it. The coverage of northeast in the mainstream media would play a vital role in shaping the minds of the Indians.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Copenhagen Climate Change Summit - Nung Leh Ma

                                                                                                         - Mangneu Thangkhal, JNU

      Mihing khantouhna in chiangtan neilou in ma asawn zel hi. Hichibang khantouhna tamzawte i tenna leitung adi’n ana hoih kei hi. Gari, vanleng, mobile, fridge, a/c, engine leh khawl tuamtuamte’n huihkhua sunin in leitung kho omdan kikhekna(climate change) omsak hi. Leitung kho omdan suisiam geologist-te’n amuhdan un, kum 100 paisa vukkhal tuimang(melt) ziak leh tuipi sat ziakin tuipi piau 15cm(6inches) in khangtou hi. Mualdawna vukkhallte a tuimang a Greenland leh Arctic kimlak leitang akiam sema, tuipi sat ziakin tuinuaia ganhing leh loupa tampi si hi. Guah hahzuk ziakin mun tamtak a tuilet, guah zuklouh ziakin kialtung a, khosat seng ziakin mi si. Kho omdan kikhek ziakin gamsate kituan lehleh ua huih leh piingpei hat ziakin mihing tamtak ana sita hi. Maban ah zong kho omdan kikhek ziakin mun tamtakah haksatna tun di hi. 

TAPIDAW KUM 100 CHINNA LEH I MABAN

                                                                              - Mangneu Thangkhal                                      

                       Tukum 2010 ei Lamka biala Pasian thu hung lut kum 100 chinna ahih ziakin Gospel Centenary thawmnging mun tengah zak in aom hi. ICI-te’n February 4-6 in alawm khin ua saptuam khenkhat in zong a lawm tou zel lai uhi. Saptuam tuamtuam kipawlkhawm in May 4-7, 2010 in Lamka Pulic Ground leh Delhi ah May 7-8 in kilawm ding hi. Welsh Presbyterian Missionary Dr. Watkin Roberts, pu Lungpau leh  pu Thangkai-te Aizawl panin February 5, 1910 in Senvon khua ah hung tung uhi. Senvon Hausapu Kamkholun ngetna banga school hong dingin W. Roberts in Savawma, Vanzika leh Thangchhingpuia te ahung sawla May 7, 1910 ni-in Senvon tung uhi.

                       

            Christianity kumzabi 1 laia Jerusalem pana Asia leh Europe gamte a thehthanga ana om apat tunitan gam tamtak ah Christiante bawlsiatna a om tou den hi. Emperor Constantine The Great, 312 AD a Christian asuak khitin Rome gam pumpi a sahkhua zuih lian pen asuak hi. Europe gamte ah ana kithehthang hi. Kum 999 tanin atamzawte’n Christian sahkhua azui uhi. Kum 1800-1900 kikal sungin tumlam gamte’n gamteng ah missionry sawlkhia ua, gingtu azahnih in kibehlap hi. India ah hun sawtpi tumlam misssionary-te’n tangthupha thehlutna di’n pan ana la tou mahleh uh ana machal kei uhi. Atawpna pen leh a hut(phase) 4na in India 1876 a British kumpi khutnuaia koih ahihnungin Bengal, UP, Punjab lak ana luh zing hang un deihbangin alohching kei uhi.

KHALVONTAWI COMMITTEE DELHI

lamkaite

2012-14

Chairman: Tg. Kammuanmung
Secretary: Tg.Bruce K.Thangkhal

Fin-cum-Treasurer: Pa Hanglamthang

KV News Editor:
Mangneu Thangkhal

2010-12

Chairman: Pa Ginlunthang
Secretary: Tg.Mangzamuan

Fin-cum-Treasurer: Tg. Hausuankhai.

KV News Editor: Bruce K. Thangkhal
Mangneu Thangkhal
T. Ginlunthang
Hausuankhai

JNU Delhi hoihna

JNU New Delhi  

                                                                                             - Mangneu Thangkhal, JNU

          Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi ah 2010-11 session, course tuamtuam zilna ding form kihawm panta hi. March 15 tana submit  ding ahi. Entrance test exam May 17-20 sung in centre 51 ah om  ding hi.                                                                               

BA(Hons): Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, Spanish

MA/Mphil: Economics, English, Linguistics, History, Pol.Sc, Sociology, Geography, Philosophy, International Relations, Social Medicine, Arts&Aesthetics etc.  

M.Sc/Mphil: Biotechnology, Life Sc, Chemical Sc, Physical Sc, Environmental Sc etc.  

Thuachianzaw www.jnu.ac.in ah et theih di hi.            

 Why or Why Not JNU?     

JNU hoihna point-te:                                 
 1.Course fee omlou.  Admission fee - Rs. 108/175 per semester( i.e. 6 months)  
                     

2.Hostel facility – Delhi aomte chihlouh student teng phial  in hostel mu. ST-te’n mu teitei. Khaguk a hostel fee Rs. 260/300 chauh ahi.      
    

3. Anhuan/kuanghep ngailou. Mess fee kha khat a Rs.950-1400 kikal piak di chih ahi lel hi.               
4. Scholarship BA/MA te’n khasialin Rs.1500 mu. ST teng phial in MPhil ah Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Rs.12000, PhD ah Rs.14000 mu uhi. Tua muloute’n zong MPhil ah Rs. 3000 leh PhD ah Rs. 5000 university apan mu uhi. 
   

5. Delhi simlam a gammang 1000 acre  touphah ahih ziakin laisimna dingin nuam mahmmah hi.   Hichibanga hamphatnate ziakin JNU pen mi tamtak lunggulh ahi. Pu Nehru vission dungzui a gamsunga “policy maker”, ding “intellectual group” siamkhiat di tupna ana kiphut ahih dungzuiin JNU a pana course zou tamtak India gamsung leh pulam ah lamkai tallang in pang uhi. Research lam ki-uangbawlna leh national/international issue tuamtuam open debate/discussion om zing na ahih ziak in sinlaite lungel tanzau sak hi. 

Khal Vontawite zong tampi i lutbeh ding uh deih huai mahmah hi.                                                        

            Hichibang kawmkalah JNU a course omte apply masangin kingaihtuah masak ngai pawl om hi. Tulaia course kithang leh job oriented mahmah pen Foreign Languages ahi. A course-te ahoih tangpi chiat ua BA hoihtaka zoute’n sepna muhhak salou ua khaloh zong hoih huntawk, Rs.20000-30000 lak ah kipan hi. Central service gelh utte adi’n zong graduate level khat peuhpeuh gelh theih ahi. Hotel management, tourism, hospitality leh MBA bawl utte ad’in zong foreign language pen added advantage ahi zing hi. Tuabanah UN agencies, embassy, NGO-te a zong sepna muh theih hi. Teaching lam lunglutte’n MA,MPhil/PhD bawlnungin private banah Government  college/ university-te ah ST quota lametna om hi. Ahi’n, foreign language zil mi kim bawl theih hilou hi. I neu a pat a i na zakkhak ngailouh ham khat va zilthak silbaih hilou ahi. Ei lamte Chinese/Japanese/Russian/Arabic etc. zil a course zoulou a tawp hunkhop ana om khinta hi. French, German leh Spanish te’n Roman(English) Alphabet azak ziak un nuam deuh hi.  Adiakin Chinese leh Japanese hamte alaiteng uh ak thaitek mah bang bialbuala theih hak mahmah hi. Alim a gelhthoh asanga sim om a, word khat maimai in zong stroke(git) 20 val nei thei tazen hi. Banah foreign language zil tamzawte private company a sem ahih ziak un government a mah chi tantante’n subject nadante mah bawl mai ding ahi.

                                                Ahi’n i lunglut nakleh course haksa lezong ahahpante adi’n zohlah di hi tuamlou hi.  Mi genhat leh kiman chih ziaka ei career va suksiat louh ding sil poimoh tak ahi. Lunglut taktak ing na chih a na apply sawm ngal leh a guide book leh back question paper-te lei inla hoihtakin kisingsa in. Kitaidemna khanga teng i hi chih manghilh ke’n. Tuachiloua a min maimai a piak pen sum senthawnna suak lel di hi.Prospectus - Rs.200, exam fee subject khat a Rs.65  mi khat in subject 3 piak theih ahi. Na lunglut leh amaimai hilou in ataktak di’n kisingsa in.  Wish you all the best!            

Thangkhal Biakna Lamkai te

Thangkhal Bible Church(2010-11)

President                           : Upa Hangkhankhup

Recording Sececretary      : Upa Kamkhanpau                       

Executive Director             : Rev.Ginkhankap

Secretary, Youth &amp     : Missions: Sia Thangno

Director of Ministry&amp  : Project: Rev.Jangkholun

Women Secretary              : Sianu Ginngaihching

"Zo-English-Hindi Self-Tutor" released in New Delhi

New Delhi, March 14, 2010: Prof. P. K. S. Pandey, a distinguished professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, released the Self-Tutor Book of Zo-English-Hindi today during the Sunday Worship Service of MELC Delhi in Munirka. This marks the first book among the Zous in India to receive an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).

The book was released by Prof. Pandey from the Centre for Linguistics, School of Language, Literature & Culture Studies, JNU, New Delhi, in the presence of government officials, scholars, students, church leaders, and various community representatives.

Self-Tutor Book ‘Zo-English-Hindi’ to be Released at MELCD Sunday Worship Service

New Delhi, 12 March 2010 – A book titled Zou-English-Hindi Kizilna Laibu (Self-Tutor Book of Zo-English-Hindi) is set to be released on Sunday, 14 March, in Munirka. The release function will be a part of the MELCD Sunday Worship Service, during which Pastor T. Lalpu will offer a blessing for the author.

The book is the result of eight years of rigorous preparation and marks the sixth publication by Philip Thanglienmang, who previously authored five books in a single year (2006). It focuses on self-learning of English, Hindi, and Zou, providing an easy reference in English and Hindi for the Zou community and other Zo tribes.

The book is divided into two parts:

Part I provides a brief historical background of the Zo/Zou people, a genetic classification of the Zo language, a genealogical tree of Kuki-Chin languages, an indicative linguistic map of Zo-speaking areas, and a record of Zo-speaking villages in India and Myanmar (Burma).

• Part II serves as a ‘self-tutor,’ consisting of 66 chapters. A unique feature of the book is its inclusion of vowel and tone indications.

The author has also highlighted pronunciation guides, tone symbols, spelling conventions, and Hindi alphabets with English translations, ensuring readers gain foundational linguistic knowledge before progressing through the book.

This self-tutor book includes a foreword by eminent linguist Prof. P. K. S. Pandey from the Centre for Linguistics, School of Language, Literature & Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Prof. Pandey remarked, “Mr. Mangkang’s work stands out as he is a native speaker of the language. His book provides a native speaker’s insight into the language from a learning and teaching perspective. It serves as a highly usable scholarly handbook for students, teachers, and scholars in the field of language studies.”

The Zo or Zou language, a member of the Kuki-Chin subgroup of the Tibeto-Burman language family, has gained recognition primarily through the efforts of a few dedicated individuals who have published books and writings.

Dr. M. Lachinkhai, Chairman of the Zou Literature Society (ZLS), Manipur, stated, “While we appreciate the contributions of missionaries and civil servants, we strive to adopt more accurate spelling conventions for writing the Zou language, which is tonal. Mr. Philip Thanglienmang is an enthusiastic linguist and dedicated researcher in tribal literature, culture, and language, particularly within the Kuki-Chin subgroup. His works are primarily research-oriented, documentative, and scholarly. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Zou vocabulary has been significantly enriched.”

About the Author

Philip Thanglienmang is currently pursuing a PhD at JNU. An engineer by training (B.E. Civil), he later became a civil servant (DANICS) and a linguist (M.A. Linguistics). In 1998, he founded the Zou Cultural cum Literature Society India (ZOCULSIN), a non-profit organisation. He is also the president of the United Zou Organisation (UZO), Delhi, and a passionate advocate for Zou students.

Publications by Philip Thanglienmang

1. Zo Lahaamte, Kigeentena leh Kiteekaahnate Haambu (Vol. I) (Dictionary of Zo Poetic Words, Metaphors & Similes, Vol. I)
2. A Brief Biography of Subedar Peter Thangkhokam (A tribute to his late father)
3. Ka Hinkhuo Tomkim by Mari Lienzanieng (A tribute to his late mother)
4. Ka Katekizam Masapen
5. Katholic Zailate leh Mass Lamzuuina

Philip stated, “For the love of my people, I do not seek any profit from this book.” He has also introduced three types of Zou tone symbols in line with modern linguistic technology.

Event Details

All are invited to attend the book release function during the MELCD Sunday Worship Service on 14th March 2010 at 4 PM. The book will be officially released by Prof. P. K. S. Pandey. A special lunch will be served after the service.

The book is priced at Rs 200/- only. Another book by the author is currently in press, as he continues to pursue his vision for linguistic and cultural preservation.

Feel free to come and meet the author.

– Bruce K. Thangkhal

 

Khalvontawi Committee Delhi Lamkaite 2010

 KHALVONTAWI COMMITTEE DELHI 2010

lamkaite

Chairman: Pa Ginlunthang

Secretary: Tg.Mangzamuan

Fin-cum-Treasurer: Tg. Hausuankhai.

KV News Editor: Bruce K. Thangkhal

Mangneu Thangkhal

T. Ginlunthang

Hausuankhai

KUA NA KHAWLPIH A?

- Lamboi Suantak, South Delhi

       Mihingte hinkhua ah apoimoh mahmah khat ahihleh khawlpih lawm leh gual ahi hi. Ei mihingte bek hilou in gamsate leh tungleng vasate leh ganhing dangdangte in zong khawlpih, pawlpih, lawm leh gual poimoh uhi. Tuamah bangin khoimun khoigam ah om in tengta le hang zong khawlpih lawm leh gual ding kisam in i poimoh den hi. I khawlpih lawm leh gualte amun tuam dungzui in kilamdang thei a, omna tenna, ham leh pautuam dungzui in mizia tuam, chindan tuam lunggel leh gamtat khohei tuam chiat kinei hi.Tua bangmah in mi tuamtuam toh kipawl chiang in gualten  zong ei omdan, hamdan, khohei dante na laa in na chiingthei ua, theihlouhkal mah in enzong i lawmte omdan, nekdan dondan,leh gamtatziate mah la in i niteng hinkhuate ah i zang denthei hi. Eima pianken mizia taktak mansuah in i khawlpih lawm leh gualte omdan la (copy) in hindan  kikhek lamdang thei hi.

BANG CHI BANG MI E NA LAWM?

KHALVONTAWI NEWS JAN-FEB 2010

NA SIM UT LEH A LIM LAITAK CLICK IN

 

Thangkhal Bible Church Lamkaite: 2010-11

Thangkhal Bible Church: 2010-11

President                           : Upa Hangkhankhup

Recording Sececretary      : Upa Kamkhanpau

Executive Director             : Rev.Ginkhankap

Secretary, Youth &amp     : Missions: Sia Thangno

Director of Ministry&amp  : Project: Rev.Jangkholun

Women Secretary              : Sianu Ginngaihching

 

Youth Department

Chairman: Upa S.Zalianpau

Recording Sececretary: Pa Khupminsuan

 

Child Department

Chairman: Upa Chinminlian

Recording Secretary: Pa Khupminsuan

 

Mission Department

Chairman: Upa Kamkhansuan

Recording Secretary: Lia Niangdeihnuam

 

Women Department

Chairperson: Upanu Chinglam

Recording Secretary: Nu Chingngaihkim

*****