Bazaar view of Noney (Longmai).
Photo: Manihar
NONEY -- a beautiful and picturesque village of Tamenglong district in Manipur lies 63 km west of Imphal, inhabited by the Rongmei Naga tribe. Situated on the left bank of the Iyei river, its another name is Longmai. It connects Imphal with Silchar in Assam. Lukhambi, Nungtek, Marangching, Langkhong etc., are surrounding villages for which Noney is the commercial centre.
This landlocked village is very popular for its bananas. The area is literally full of bananas and bamboos. A delectable item called Soibum made from fermented slices of bamboo shoots is very much in demand.
Noney -- picturesque and grandeur.
Photo: Manihar
Agriculture is the mainstay of the population. Wet rice is cultivated in the fertile river valley whereas on the steep hillsides the slash and burn method of farming is done. Maize, cucumber, tapioca etc., are grown along with orange and other citrus fruits. A popular tree bean called Yongchak is in abundance. This bean makes quick cash. Tea and cardamom are grown in the wilds. Sipping this tea with neither sugar nor milk in it, by sitting around a fire, is a popular practice. A coffee farm is also being experimented.
The Rongmei Naga of Noney (Longmai)
Photo: Manihar
Video parlours are in great demands, where Jackie Chan cassettes are popular. Youngsters in their jeans and T-shirts happily sing "there was something in the air that night" of Fernando fame. All are Christians by faith. Mr. K. Gaichui, secretary of the village authority, says that the bazaar near the river is not older than twenty years. During this short period it has grown fast because of the good communication maintained by border roads people. Had it not been for them the present position of the village could have been different.
The Iyei river at Noney during dry season.
Photo; Manihar
Small fishes caught from the crystal clear shallow water of the meandering river, which is a tributary of the Barak, are fried fresh in the hotels for catering to bus passengers. Crabs seeking shelter under the slabs of gushing streams end up as statistics in the ledgers of the hotel managers.
Far from the madding crowd of Imphal and an ideal spot for picnicking -- Noney is another feather in the wonder cap of mysterious Tamenglong.
Konjengbam Kameshore
(Courtesy; North East Sun, New Delhi, Aug.28 - Sept.3, 1993)
Photo: Manihar, Sanjoy Photo Studio, Noney
