The Tangkhul Naga of
Ukhrul
Ukhrul town in Manipur lies 83 km northeast of Imphal. The
nerve centre of politically sensitive Tangkhul Naga, it is the highest hill
station of the state. Kaleidoscopic landscapes and undulating terrains dotted
with exotic orchids and rare birds are the characteristics of the area.
The district covers an area of 4,544 sq km with a population
of 98,000. Besides the Tangkhul, the Kuki also inhabit many places. Rice is
grown in the fertile river valleys of the Thoubal, Nungshangkhong and Iril. On
the steep hill-sides, shifting cultivations are widely practised. Sweet lime (Heithum in Manipuri) and other citrus
fruits are abundantly grown particularly in the Kachai village area.
The Siroi Kashong range is the natural habitat of rare birds
like Hume’s Pheasant (Nongyin in
Manipuri) and Blyth’s Tragopan. While the former is the state bird of Manipur,
the latter is found only in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.
Different kinds of plants are found in this sub-tropical
pine forests including Siroi Lily (Lilium mackliniae sealy) which is the state
flower of Manipur. Exotic orchids are grown besides the well known blue and red
Vandas amidst the sylvan surroundings. The range in fact is the favourite haunt
of botanists and ornithologists. A tourist home has also been constructed in
this place.
The Khangkhui limestone cave lies about 11 km
southeast of Ukhrul town tucked away in a range of cretaceous origin. Artifacts
of pre-historic man belonging to Palaeolithic culture were reportedly discovered
inside the dark caverns. The waterfalls at Chamu Khayang bordering Myanmar and
at Sirarakhong are picturesquely breathtaking. A guest house has recently been
constructed at the latter. Hundung mini cement factory, Nungshangkhong
micro-hydel project and pottery of Nungbi village are the other tourist spots
of the district.
A typical Tangkhul Naga
home of good old days
The bus fare from Imphal to Ukhrul is Rs 25/- only. There
are several hotels and a couple of bungalows. In the market pork, beef,
dog-meat are sold along with chilli and ginger. A tasty fish called nunga (psilorhynchus microphthalamus) found
only in the hills is another delicacy. Hand-woven Naga shawls in strikingly
beautiful colours and patterns are moderately priced. Ukhrul – the home of rare
birds and plants is a little paradise worth visiting.
Konjengbam Kameshore
(Courtesy: North East Sun, New Delhi, Jan 29-Feb 4, 1994)
NB: The writer was district cooperative
officer of Ukhrul from March 2009 to February 2010.
