Churachandpur lingual war: A third eye view
Merit should be given in choosing the official host language of Churachandpur AIR & Doordarshan station, says JEO BLOGGS.
'AIR'ing the issue.
Churachandpur divided by narrow domestic walls which stand strong like the Great Wall of China. And the divisions is apparently so wide that there is communalization of every sphere of life. Communalism has indeed found a stronghold here in Churachandpur, and it has often reared its ugly dirty and bloody head.
CCpur has been many times an arena where blood thirsty gladiators often sought, hunt and kill their next prey. It has been a Battlefield between warring communities, and there is no guarantee that it won be again in the near future. With every major Community of this town, having their own armed militia and area of influence, the situation is getting precarious day by day. Peace has been sacrificed, crucified, robbed of its purity, raped of its virginity for the sake of so called racial superiority, false pride and inflated egos. As patriotism for ones own community takes control. And the people here seems to be spending more time buying Guns than educating their sons on the need for peaceful co-existence, universal brotherhood, spirit of tolerance and mutual non aggression.
In a communally surcharged atmosphere and environment like Churachandpur, patriotism for one’s community always take precedence over the good of all, emotions often run high and swells up the community pride. And consensus is a word hardly used or heard at all.
The burning issue that is being hotly debated and discussed by every sections of the CCpurians from Government offices to schools, from shops to cafes to street corners, these days is ‘The Lingual War between the Paite and Kukis’. Yes! Two of the major tribes of Churachandpur – The Paite and The Kukis are once again locking horns, and daggers drawn over the issue of ‘The Host Language’ for the Doordarshan & AIR (All India Radio Station) at Churachandpur. Both the warring tribes are putting their claims as strongly as they could, and leaving no stone unturned to make sure that their own native tongue (Own Communal Dialect) is made, and declared The Official Host Language of the Doordarshan and All India Radio Station at Churachandpur.
The Paite Community feels that it is their Language that should be made the Official Host Language of the DD & AIR Station at Churachandpur, and no other. No wonder the Paites are making such a grand claim as some might feel. But they are according to themselves the Undisputed Champions & Owners of Churchandpur District. Though, no one knows how many would agree with that.
While on the other hand The Kukis Community are also pleading their case strongly and are adamant that it is their Language (Kuki / Thadou Language) that deserved to be crowned the Offical Host Language of the DD and AIR Station, Ccpur. The Kukis, argument is that, since the DD& AIR Station is located strategically at Tuiboung – A predominantly Kuki Inhabited Area. It is more appropriate and more fitting that the Kuki/Thadou Language is the made the official Host Language of the DD & AIR Station.
Both the belligerents in this Lingual War have taken it as a matter of Communitys Pride. And are mobilizing and exercising and using their influences and contacts at places where it matters, so as to emerge the Victors in this cold lingual war, and we have learnt in history that it is always to the Victors that belongs the Spoils. And Manipur is the right place to learn that a right amount of money given to the right hand at the right time can do a lot of things.
It is anybodys guess, in which favor the tide will turn in this ensuing Cold Lingual War. Will the Paites have it their way??? Or will it be the Kukis that will have the last laugh??? And everyone is waiting in anticipation, with bated breath and keeping their fingers crossed for the Grand Finale.
Manipur is a State, As We all know it where rules are made only to be broken, and never followed. Where Law Makers are ironically Law Breakers (Well-At least they are mentally still). Where Might is the only Right, and a State where Ones influence and the Leverage that One has can always turn the tide in ones favor. And of course with the passing of The R.B.I. Legal Tender anything can be done in Manipur. Manipur is also just like the other Indian States, A State that thrives on Corruption and Unlawful Practices, where Merit and Hard Work is never or seldom rewarded. So taking all these factors into account, The Ensuing Great Lingual War between the Paite and the Kukis could go either way.
Now one needs to ask What should be the criteria or the requirements for choosing The Official Host Language for an Important and essential Establishment like Doordarshan and All India Radio Station (AIR) in a Communally sensitive Town like Churachandpur which is inhabited by 13 tribes, and where there is no commonly agreed Lingua Franca? Where the Lingua Franca in reality is Ones Own Language, since the languages spoken in Ccpur are more or less related. The Various Communities here can communicate with each other by using their own respective Mother Tongues.
The Concerned Authorities and the Higher Ups should tread cautiously and carefully, as they deal with this complicated and sensitive burning issue. The Authorities concerned should not over look the fact that Churchandpur is A Town of 13 Presidents and General Secretaries, each representing the interests of their own tribes that inhabits this town. It is advisable that the Authorities always take into consideration the views and opinions of other communities in Ccpur.
Just because the two warring tribes in this lingual war -The Paite and The Kukis Communities may have a better standing politically in the present political set-up in the State doesnt mean that they can have their say over the rest of the Tribes who forms the population of the Churchandpur District. Where is the Democracy that we pride ourselves in If only the resourceful and the powerful ones always have their way in every important matter??
If there ever was an opinion poll or a referendum, and if ever the Ccpurians were given a chance to express their choice between The Two Warring Candidates in the Lingual War. It is certain that there will never be a Consensus, or An Unanimous Decision. Because both the Paite and the Kuki Languages can never claims them selves to be the Lingua Franca of the whole Churachandpur District. As mentioned earlier there is no commonly agreed Lingua Franca in Ccpur, and all the communities here talk to each other in their own tongues.
The official host language of the DD & AIR Station, Ccpur is indeed an important issue, which should be dealt with genuine consideration and taking into the view the mosaic social set-up of the Churachandpur Society. The Authorities Concerned should make sure that whatever language they choose and decide to be the official Host Language of Ccpur DD & AIR Station. One very thing that they should keep in mind is that It should be a language that is literally rich, and acceptable to all. At the same time The Concerned Authorities should also analyze the claims and study the maturity, the depth and richness of the Language before they zero in on a particular language for the official host language of DD&AIR Station, Churachandpur.
If we are to go by our Manipur State Government records, there are still only 2 languages from the whole CCPUR District, which are recognized by The Manipur University as MIL (Major Indian Language) for the Graduate Level Studies. The 2 recognized languages are 1) HMAR 2) MIZO (Lushai).
It is certain that our sole seat of Academic Excellence in the State The Manipur University would not recognized a Language as an MIL fit for Graduate Level Studies at random. There are sure to be some criteria, and some parameters and yardsticks, which the MU would use to fathom the maturity, the depth and the extent of the Language before declaring it fit to be recognized for Graduate Level Studies.
Surprisingly Both the Paite and the Kuki Language (the 2 candidate for the official Host Language) are yet to be recognized by the Manipur University as MIL for Graduate Level Studies. Till today, both the Paite and the Kuki Language are recognized only until the High School Level (the 10 std – HSLC). So the reach of these two languages is confined only to the school level and not beyond.
And who could be a better judge on the maturity, depth and richness of a Language than the Manipur University??? So if one is to be rational and to go by logic. The Hmar or the Mizo (Lushai Language) are more competent to be made the Official Host Language of the DD & AIR Station at Ccpur than the competing candidates in the Lingual War. It wont be out of line to state here that the HMAR and The MIZO Language are on a higher plane than the Paite and the Kuki Languages. Which is evident from the very fact that the Hmar and the Mizo (Lushai Language) have been scrutinized in detail by the Manipur University and are deemed fit for academic studies at the Graduate Level says so much about the maturity and the richness of the two languages.
In History, we read about the Re-Unification of Italy under Garibaldi and his associates. Italy was divided into small petty province way back then each having their own dialects. A need was felt for a common Lingua Franca, which could foster unity and serve as an efficient means of communication for the re-unification of Italy. The present Italian Language, which is now the official language of the Republic of Italy, It is said, is a dialect of a small non-prominent minority, which had a rich, deep and well-developed and extensive literature. So this Dialect was chosen to be the official language of the Italy Re-unification movement and as time passes by it develops into the language that we now call Italian.
May be the Concerned Authorities can take a page out of history and a clue from the Italy Re-Unification Movement, in deciding which of the various languages of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes should be made the Official Host Language for the DD & AIR Station, Ccpur. And based their selection on pure merit, and to rise above communal and petty considerations, and not to succumb to arm-twisting tactics, powerful and monetary influences. And to let for once – Merit prevails above all communal and ethnic considerations in their choice and selection.
We have mentioned earlier about how more matured and more well refined and developed the The Hmar and The Lushai Languages are in comparison to the Paite and the Kuki Language. So if it would be more appropriate if the Hmar of Lushai language is made the official language. If the Concerned Authorities ever has the wisdom do this, they would be doing full justice to the Manipur University Verdict. If some of the Communal hardliners, cannot accept Hmar Language as the official Language for the DD&AIR Station at Tuiboung Ccpur.
Then the next natural choice would be the Lushai Language, which is considered to be the most advance and the most aristocrat of all the Kuki-Chin-Mizo language. It will not be an exaggeration to call the Lushai Language The French of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo branch of Languages. And the wide and extensive reach of the Lushai language can be judged from the fact that the popularity that the Mizo Singers and Artist from Mizoram enjoys in the Ccpur Dist. And with the Cultural Invasion of Ccpur from Mizoram Artists and Singers via the medium of the Cable Television. The Lushai Language has found mass acceptance among the Ccpurians. It not surprising that Daduhi, Liandingpuii, and Nguthangvela are now household names in every Ccpur Homes.
Consensus would never be reached in this matter in a Communal Town like Churachandpur. So it is up to the Concern Authorities to exercise the power in their discretion wisely and choose a language that would be acceptable to all. Democracy is about majority and merit. And if we are to go by number The Hmars are one of the major tribes of the Churachandpur District, and they have a well developed language along with their Mizo ( Lushai) brothers.
So wont it be more appropriate if the Hmar Language is made the official Host Language, as it is more refined and most developed than the other Languages Which are still in the state of infancy? The Mizo (Lushai) Language is already the official language of the state of Mizoram, so it has already got the crowning glory and the recognition that it deserved. So that leaves only the Hmar Language, which is refined enough to be conferred recognition by the Manipur University. So the Authorities should let Merit prevails and made Hmar the official Language of the DD& AIR Station at Ccpur. Because as mentioned earlier no other languages with the exception of Mizo comes close to the Hmar Language in terms of richness and depth and maturity.
The Paite and Kuki Communities (with no disrespect meant to the 2 sister communities, but as constructive criticism) are making too great a claim just because they have a more political bargaining power than the rest of the tribes. But they need to accept that their language needs to be fully developed and refined and be mature enough before it can stake such a claim. The two languages are still not even recognized for the University Level.
As written earlier the Authorities Concerned would be doing full justice to the Manipur University Verdict if they make either Hmar or Lushai Language the official Host language of the DD& AIR Station Ccpur. If that is still not acceptable then none of the regional language should be made the official language of the DD&AIR Station. And the universal language English should instead be made the Official Host Language, this I believe would be acceptable to all.
For once officials concerned must let merit prevail and choose the most deserving language be the official host language of the DD&AIR Station at Tuibuong, Churachandpur. For a change let merit be the criteria and not contacts and influences.
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FYI.. "Tuithraphai"?? Please tell me where exactly is this place?I have been staying in CCpur all my life and haven't heard about this place yet. "So wont it be more appropriate if the Hmar Language is made the official Host Language"??? they are a handful of people using Hmar languages.If you call yourself a News Channel, Do an exensive research and Publish. Thats what they did.
CCPur/Lamka in also know as Tuithraphai after Pu L. Keivom retired as govt. servant.
Paite are the most communal of all tribes all over the world…
we were but now we cannot be!! so don't call the word communal here, at this point in time.
Hi,
To Whom it may Concern.
“Churachandpur, also known as Tuithraphai”.There is no town known as Tuithraphai,may be you are referring “Lamka”.Please get the right names and then publish. Don’t do Nonsense things. This is not the first time you are doing.You can’t change the name of a place as you want. Please,This better not be repeated.
Thanks
PausonT
FYI.. "Tuithraphai"?? Please tell me where exactly is this place?I have been staying in CCpur all my life and haven't heard about this place yet. "So wont it be more appropriate if the Hmar Language is made the official Host Language"??? they are a handful of people using Hmar languages.If you call yourself a News Channel, Do an exensive research and Publish. Thats what they did.
@zoheb, Lamka as I know is a small hamlet in Churachandpur district. Churachandpur district was earlier called Tuithraphai by all Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes after the river Tuithra in the valley. I think it is more appropriate to use Tuithraphai rather than Lamka. Please stop being childish. Learn your history. Ask anybody above 50 years and they will tell you what Lamka was and what Tuithraphai was in their days. Remember we also have Tuilaphai, Leizangphai, etc….
I appreciate the writer's or websites' use of the term Tuithraphai rather than Lamka. Tuithraphai is more inclusive and it belongs to all people living beside Tuithapui river.
"Before WW II, the Lamka valley was a tiny, mosquito-infested village on the west bank of the Tuitha (Khuga) river. The indigenous tribes traditionally survived on jhum or shifting cultivation on the hills surrounding the Lamka valley. They simply avoided the malaria-prone Lamka valley till the introduction of wet rice cultivation sometime during the inter-War period. The neighboring Mizo (Lushai) tribes – probably from Champhai valley – were credited with the introduction of wet rice cultivation in the area…"@Ropuia..Thanks for the info.I just had a thought that may be because Mizo people lived near Tuitha river so the name Tuithraphai..now called "Rengkai.
There is no such thing as Lamka valley. It is either Tuithaphai valley or Churachandpur valley. And by the way as long as one can remember the police station in Churachandpur is remains Churachandpur Police Station. I can't understand why most of our Paite brothers tried to call it Lamka police station when the building itself does not come under Lamka area!!!! It's time to shed our communal thinking and move forward.
Dear Ropuia,
Its not about communalism or not,its about what is right or wrong.See we got so many answers, so many people doing the research.huh?.. But I stick to my point. Heheh!
What I just wanted to day is, as of now,instead of "tuithraphai" it is now commonly known as "CCpur/Lamka". Why use different names??? Just write/call it as what the people who lives in there called/wrote?
Mr Zoheb, People like me still use Tuithaphai. I am resident of Tuithaphai valley and reside in Muolnom. I don't know if you can call Muolnom as Lamka???? Lamka is Lamka and Moulnom is Muolnom. I'm a Thadou who like to cherish the once peaceful atmosphere. don't be so communal by trying to take away the common link we had. All sensible Lusei, Hmar, Zo, Simte, Gangte, et will accept Tuithaphai and never Lamka.
..but still you wrote in your postal address.. Molnom, CCpur, Manipur…It was peaceful before you guys landed up in and around CCpur/Lamka running from Nagas.
Lamka is just a nickname…
and people like you are illegal immigrant running away from naga
Why do we always try promoting our own tiny identity instead of holding hands becoming a big Zo nation, making one official language doesn’t mean that we will be forced to use that language and our language will be extinguished from the surface of the earth. People from outside are conquering us while we are fighting among ourself. Cutting our own body won’t bother our neighbor.
@Haupu,The Paites are mainly shy, introvert people who are sincerely devoted in whatsoever they perform. Their main occupation is still cultivation though they have achieved much at the various offices of the Federal India. In spite of their minority status, there are some prominent paites who have achieved in the mainstream governance of the Indian Union, according to a national consensus – it was learnt that the Paites are one of the most educationally advanced ethnic group in India'.
@Ropuia,Before WW II, the Lamka valley was a tiny, mosquito-infested village on the west bank of the Tuitha (Khuga) river. The indigenous tribes traditionally survived on jhum or shifting cultivation on the hills surrounding the Lamka valley. They simply avoided the malaria-prone Lamka valley till the introduction of wet rice cultivation sometime during the inter-War period. The neighboring Mizo (Lushai) tribes – probably from Champhai valley – were credited with the introduction of wet rice cultivation in the area,….. may be we Mizo lived near the river Tutha,now that place is named Rengkai. Is it so difficult to just put the names of palces the same way the local people used them?
There is no Tuithra or Tuithraphai
You are an idiot who don't know anything abt CCpur topography. Go learn your history then read what the story is about :p Still can't get why Paite are so cunning and challu.
Don’t know why Kuki’s/Thadous are such a blood thirsty tribe eithier…feeding on others..
oh! Smatie.. send me the map of TUITHRAPHAI.. the name should be written. Just be quiet..outsiders! ngarang gi ngakha!
u must b one of those refugee chaps whom the nagas drove away, hid in LAMKA and doing namak-haraami. . . . .Pathetic moron.
PLease DOn’t scream … every places where the kukis zomis mizos chins place is called ZOLAND dont just quarrels for a small causes.LAMKA is LAMKA n TUITHRAPHAI is TUITHRAPHAI please don’t use these words.
Comeone people. I'm Paite but i no communal. I contradict my fellow tribesmen when they say there is no Tuitha river. There was very very nice and clean Tuitha river eaarlier but now Tuitha river is very dirty. very sad.
Let us be nice and civilised. Lamka is just a small part of CCpur. Instaed of calling it Churachandpur, i love to call it Tuithaphai Valley
Long Live Zo brotherhood!
Im paite and proud to be communal.lamka will always be paite domain.
if u dont like it go to kachar hill
or
refuge tribe kukiss, go to senapati
The govt has already sent survey team to study which one is suited for link language..verdict=Paite.
let hmar demand Bawngkerawt factory or rengkai sms factory..
@Rex Paite, u are deemed unfit to splatter here. I am a Paite and m proud to be but your insanity makes me highly ashamed and uncomfortable!!!!!
Discuss the ongoing topic with everyone around you. Why this hate????????
I found this in e-pao.net under the tile Lamka for Churachandpur written by Thankhanlal Ngaihte "In 2003, during the 2nd anniversary observation of Lamka Post newspaper, ministers Phungzathang Tonsing and Ngamthang Haokip promised that the name Lamka will soon be officially restored in deference to popular opinion. .."
Is this how Paite politicians had been playing politics. Kukis and other communities like Hmar, Lushais, Zous, Gangte, Simte, Vaiphei will never accept such dirty polity. I am sure Ngamthang Haokip had not made any such promise to us when he came seeking votes in Kuki areas.
If u want to read comunal article follow this link http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=n…
Dear Steve, I fail to understand why a fellow Zo brother like you would get so angry at the possibility of reinstating the original name of Lamka town… I am quite sure the name “Churachandpur” is not there in the vocabulary of the Thadou, Hmar or Paite dialects (or any of the other Zo tribes), even thought the town belongs to us.
Moreover, Churachandpur, originally refers to the current Mission Compound area (Suangpi/Suongpi) only, and later used to denote the whole Lamka town only much later (inspite of the majority of local residents still referring to the town by its original name, “Lamka”),
I remember wahtching a Movie in Kuki” Chenna Zogam”. Why argue over names that you already accept. I think we should sent you back to Sadar hills or Nanagland from where you run..LOL…
The AIR station in Tuibuong is just an FM station, covering ONLY Lamka town area, where the main language/dialect spoken happens to be Paite. The majority of the town’s inhabitants (I can safely bet at least 98% of the town’s population) know and understand Paite, including all the Vais who are in the town as shopkeepers and traders. An overwhelming majority of the people under the FM Station’s coverage area understand the language. The same cannot be said of the Thadou or Hmar dialects/languages. And, to have a “link language” which is not understood by a majority of the target audience (basically the Lamka townsfolk) makes not sense. In my opinion, the “link language” has to be Paite.
And, as far as the name(s) of the town is(are) concerned, Lamka is the name of the town, and Tuithaphai denotes the entire Valley where Lamka and the surrounding villages are situated. Lamka was never know as “Tuithaphai” or “Lamkhai”
That was when the Paites have had enough officers and civil servants etc. That was when all tribes are innocent and friendly to each other.
Quitely observe and see what we have in 10 years time after!! i make an approach another way round!!!
'Churachandpur, also known as Tuithraphai'. I was shocked to come across the name that never exist, that i never heard of before. Can you please tell me the exact location of this place? Hey, Jeo, better get your facts right else restraint from writing unscrupulous articles henceforth!
The PAITES are, undoubtedly outnumbered all the tribes inhabited in LAMKA in terms of population. Naturally, the link language should be PAITE as per the order by Govt. of India.
Whatever might have happened..If we the “hill/Zo” people do not unite..we will be chased out of our own home oneday.As we can all see it coming.. We’ll fight on a petty things likes kids,instead We should Unite,fight those who tried to hurt our unity, then Peace will prevail. We are Brothers! Brothers don’t fight.
Cheers to this. Love you mung. Let's not fight over petty issue. However, please educate some of these radicals to change their colonial mindset. They are tyring to destabilise CCpur atmosphere again.
Me sooo like this….
You seem to be an idiot who tries to argue without getting (understanding) a word of what I have been trying to say.
I have been saying Guwahati does not get its name from Brahmaputra and neither did Silchar from Barak Valley. And "Lamka does not need to become Tuithaphai".
And as for exploring the world, I have seen the world. And I am a resident of a beautiful place far beyond Kangpokpi. (kangpokpi khel a khuo um nachu)
Barak valley- tuiruong phai, tuiluang phai etc etc. We know what's referred to but there is no place with that name.
Guwahati lies in the Brahmaputra banks. But it is not called Brahmaputra valley.
Tuithaphai- meaning Tuitha plains or valley i;e the banks or area in the proximity of the river Tuitha.
No doubt the area is in the banks of the river. And it has been correctly called tuithaphai in general terms. But the town does have to bear the name of the valley does it?
Paite brothers still need to know geography of the region. It's called Barak valley, Brahmaputra plains/valley… so calling Tuithaphai valley is appropriate. not only appropriate but it has been used since before Lamkhai/Lamka came into being.
Arre Steve bro, Lamka town is situated in the Tuitha/Khuga Valley, just like Guwahati is situated in the Brahmaputra Valley…it's pure and simple…
And just because Guwahati came into being much after people have started referring to the Assam plains as the Brahmaputra Valley, you can't re-name the city (Guwahati) as Brahmaputra Valley, can you?? Think about it
Hey Steve.. Instead of uttering such a nonsense here,why don't you go and find something else to do.. U don't know nothing at all. Ignorance is a curse remember that bro… Why don't you just go and STFU
Silchar is NOT called Barak Valley … or is it ..and Guwahati – Brahmaputra valley?
Did i miss something in my geography class hehe irrespective of what tribe i belong to.
Yes you miss so many things.
you seems to be one of those guys who can't get out of Lamka world. Go and study geography then come back. yessss… Silchar is in Barak Valley and Guwahati is in Bhrahmaputra valley. call up any geography professor from reputed university other tha 'Lamka College' and they will tell you the truth. Go exprole the world man. Have fun.
Precisely my point Jongsan oops Changsan!!!
You seem like an educated Idiot who argues without having a clue what I was trying to say all along.
Guwahati is Not called Brahmaputra Valley. Silchar is NOT called Barak Valley.
Lamka does not need to called Tuithaphai.
By the way I probably have explored the world more than you ;P Way beyond Kangpokpi
Likewise, Lamka is in Tuithaphai or Tuitha Valley (or Khuga Valley)…
The story itself is bias and, i think, the writer is trying to provoke the "other" tribe. Lucky him, they mustn't have given a shit about it .. LMFAO
So, Mister, next time u write an article (hopefully not) plis make sure u know what ur writing and please do some geographic research, as well. U REALLY PATHETIC
What the hell is this????
.
The above article is quite misleading and smack of vested interest. In brief, The AIR Station, Churachandpur was started during the 7th plan along with similar ones at Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), Lunglei (Mizoram), Idukki (Kerala) and Octacamund (Tamil Nadu). It was proposed to be commissioned during the year 1992-3.
While the construction have been on course, the government send an "Audience Research Team", NE India from Calcutta in the early nineties to find out and recommend the most widely spoken tribal dialect for the Host Language. The team extensively toured Churachandpur District and its surrounding areas meeting different tribal leaders and on the basis of its findings, recommended that the station be called "AIR Lamka" instead of Churachandpur as desired by the people and also that the Link Language be "Paite" as it is the most widely spoken language in the area.
However, the process was delayed and nothing was achieved for five full years allegedly due to numerous problems including the ethnic clashes between the Zomis and Kukis, etc, until it was revived again in 2000 AD.
On June 9, 2000 Shri S. Kritibash Sharma, Director, I&PR, Manipur send a letter to the DC/CCpur requesting him to ‘intimate the major dialect spoken by the majority of population in CCpur district, for the Linking announcement Broadcast Language at the earliest’.
The response came on September 19, 2000. The Manipur government sought to put the controversy to rest and recommended Paite to be the Linking Language for the station. Accordingly, on November 6, 2000, Dr. RAP Rao, Director (Policy), Prasar Bharati Directorate General-AIR issued a one-line order which read: ‘the Link Language broadcast by AIR Churachandpur will be Paite’.
However, the narrow, parochial and divisive politics played out here ensured that it will not be as simple as this. Some tribal bodies took it as a prestige issue and cannot accept that they be left out.
The government, it looks, is still undecided. But, to go back a few lines, on September 12 and 18, 2002, the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Assn of Manipur (STWAM) and Zomi Council (comprising of other major tribes of Churachandpur viz., Simte, Paite, Vaiphei, Tedim Chin and Zou tribes) respectively submitted a memo to the chief minister, Manipur, requesting him to expedite the inauguration and use the most widely spoken language in CCpur as link language.
Be that as it may, I felt to understand why the Hmars, are having such a narrow view in this small issue. Such kind of narrow mindedness is a STUMBLING BLOCK to the unity of the ZO people inhabiting Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar(Burma) etc.
Mr. Haupu
Your assertion that the Paite are the most communal of all tribes all over the world… is very unfortunate. Can you substantiate your point, please?
Paites are no doubt the majority of Chrachandpur district, MLA from Churachandpur will always be a Paite, eventhough there may be 2 to 3 Paite contesting for the seat, a Paite will always win majority.
Newspapers like Lamka Post and Manipur Express which has the higest number of circulation in Churachandpur are printed in Paite language. Most popular local TV channels with higest number of viewers like Hornbill Cable Network, Angel’s Vision, Laizom, etc are in Paite. Not only that Paites have the maximum number of megazine publications in Churachandpur district.
I understand that Hmar & Lushei languages might be recognized by The Manipur University as MIL (Major Indian Language) for Graduate Level Studies but if you are talking about the language skopen by the poeple and understood by the common people, then it is Paite.
Mizo songs are popular i understand but English songs are much more popular hence we can’t say that English should be the ligua-franca. So there Mizo language is a big no. Lushei language is spoken by minority in CCPur
Paites are peace lovers, we always love to live in unity. Other tribes always take advantage of our kindness and hospitality. Look at Tuibong, a place dominated by Kukis, no other tribe can live there peacefully but a Kuki, Hmar or Vaiphei will live peacefully in any Paite dominated area. You may hate a Paite at an individual level but when it comes to a tribe level Paites are the most understanding and God fearing people.
Just to remind every one that before refugees from Naga areas flock into CCPur, it was a peaceful town. Ask any citizen of Lamka! That time the Paite were always the majority but never took advantage
I would like to conclude by saying that the authors is completey biased and story like this can only cause communal violence.
Mang Paite, that was back then, that was way back then….people are eating us out. and we are fed with intoxicants…we missed lot of things, we are lacked by many things now…..we are running after our own brothers who were running behind us during those years……let's restart our journey!!
The issue regarding Air Station Churachanpur is not a new issue. To cut short a long story, the Proposal forsetting up AIR Station at Churachandpur was started during the 7th plan period along with similar ones at Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), Lunglei (Mizoram), Idukki (Kerala) and Octacamund (Tamil Nadu). It was proposed to be commissioned during the year 1992-3.
While the construction have been on course, the government send an “Audience Research Team, NE India” from Calcutta in the early nineties to find out and recommend one most widely spoken tribal dialect for the Host Language. The team extensively toured Churachandpur and its surrounding areas meeting different tribal leaders and on the basis of its findings, recommended that the station be called AIR Lamka instead of Churachandpur as desired by the people and also that the Link Language be “Paite” as it is the most widely spoken language in the area.
However, the process was delayed and nothing was achieved for five full years allegedly due to numerous problems including the ethnic clashes between the Zomis and Kukis, etc, until it was revived again in 2000 AD.
On June 9, 2000 Shri S. Kritibash Sharma, Director, I&PR, Manipur send a letter to the DC/CCpur requesting him to ‘intimate the major dialect spoken by the majority of population in CCpur district, for the Linking announcement Broadcast Language at the earliest’.
The response came on September 19, 2000. The Manipur government sought to put the controversy to rest and recommended Paite to be the Linking Language for the station. Accordingly, on November 6, 2000, Dr. RAP Rao, Director (Policy), Prasar Bharati Directorate General-AIR issued a one-line order which read: ‘the Link Language broadcast by AIR Churachandpur will be Paite’.
However, the narrow, parochial and divisive politics played out here ensured that it will not be as simple as this.
The government, it looks, is still undecided. But as far back as on September 12 and 18, the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Assn of Manipur (STWAM) and Zomi Council (comprising of the major Tribes such as the Simte, Paite, Vaiphei, Tedim Chin and Zou tribes) respectively submitted a memo to the chief minister of Manipur, requesting him to expedite the inauguration and use the most widely spoken language in CCpur as link language. Mention may also be made that the Hmar Inpui has also pledged their support for Paite to be the link language in AIR , Churachandpur while they were fighting for Parbung ADC, and the Paites did not have any objection to it.
Be that as it may, I felt to understand why the Hmars have suddenly raised objection. Such narrow mindedness has always been a stumbling block in the unity of the Zos since time immemorial. Why then should we carry such a myopic view even a hundred years have elapse since we have seen the light.
Why don't you provide the facts that suggest Paite is understood by everyone in CCpur, you dumbass. I from CCpur town but don't know Paite. Go to interior parts of the district where Kuki, Hmar, Simte, Gangte reside and you will get to know these people don't know the meaning of 'Bange/banga hiya' ….
Kuki is widely spoken and understood in the district. Remember Paite was also one of the Kuki tribes before the communal riots.
Steve Changsan,
If u dont know paite u musn be a refugee from other district..it people like u refugee who tried to provoke communal riots..I hav a kuki friend who speak Paite like paite’s…
Go back to where u come from..ur so called zalend gam…
Arey bhaisaab, paites were never cookie or for that matter, naga……i suggest u kindly check ur source……maybe u r from cachar hills or senapati……nonetheless, go and check ur retardedness
Hi guys, wake up! Let us not get carried away by our own little hypocrisy, ignorance and ideology! I was born and brought up in Lamka/Churachandpur, done my schooling at Don Bosco High and Sielmat Christian College. Everywhere in this world there is politics. But let us cherish and at the same time preserve the cosmopolitan and pluralist spirit of our beautiful town. In fact, most of my friends are Paite and they all are very good and caring people. Yes, our friendship circle extends to different tribes like Zou, Vaiphei, Gangte etc etc. Let us stop this communal frenzy. And let us call a spade a spade! That is, the town – the case in point here – has always been called by the locals as LAMKA! I don't think giving it a new name such as Tuithraphai makes any sense, or rather, serves any purpose. I abhor the way my fellow tribesmen see the Paites. They were the original settlers and they are our brothers. Let us regard them. Let us not treat them as our enemies. They are our brothers and sisters. I remember how our Paite brothers extended their generous helping hands in our fight for justice when our sisters in Tipaimukh were raped by the Meitei valley militants. I remember my dad telling me, when the HPC militants were being attacked and overpowered by the Meitei militants, it was the Paite-led ZRA cadres who came in to the rescue. Our Paite brothers have always been there for us! Is this the way how we should repay them? O, my dear Hmar people in general and leaders in particular, let us stop hatching a conspiracy to dismantle the peaceful environment of Churachandpur District! And to my Paite friends, my apologies for whatever defamatory and hateful comments that are being hurled upon you. Peace!!!
Why are you guys blaming one another? Paihte or Thadou/Kuki are the same….. they both are blood thirsty society. Have no mercy on the minority communities whom they live with. They are like Thothong in Churachandpur town. If someone touch them, they dont hitback but hit who is in front of them. As long as they behave as a veto power holders in CCpur Districts or the land we occupied, there can be no peace and harmony. At the other side is the Hmar people, they are also not different from the above mentioned greedy tribes. Opening their eyes like a snake ready to bite if needed. Likewise, the Lushais/Mizos also behaving like the super power holders.
Respect one another and love one another. Only then you can lead the minorities.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm, Thangkura, U hit the points now…
very well said Thangkura
The first name for Churachandpur was Suongpi, but known as Old Churachandpur. In 1921 Manipur Maharaja Churachand Singh visited Churachandour and from then on it has been officially changed to Churachandpur. Near the end of World War II, Old Churachandpur was shifted to the present Churachandpur town.
In 1961 Churachandpur was given Township; in 1988 Municipality. In 1990 there were 16 Wards – Tuibuong, Bijang and Hmar Veng, Sielmat and Zimi Colony, Lower Lamka 2, Lower Lamka 3, New Lamka, Salem Veng, Hill Town, Muolveng, Upper Lamka, Headquarter, Chiengkonpang, Phailien, Bungmual and Rengkai. As much as Churachandpur Town cannot be called Rengkai, it cannot be called Lamka even.
Also, the term 'Lamka' got its name from being the point where 4 roads, namely – Tipaimukh Road, Tiddim Road, Sugnu Road and Imphal Road meets.
Though I have already given my viewpoint, let me add a few more lines:
The Second paragraph of the above article by Mr.Joe Bloggs reads : “Churachandpur divided by narrow domestic walls which stand strong like the Great Wall of China. And the divisions is apparently so wide that there is communalization of every sphere of life. Communalism has indeed found a stronghold here in Churachandpur, and it has often reared its ugly dirty and bloody head.”
No doubt, you are right, Mrs. Bloggs. But, who is responsible for this “communalization’? In fact, even the online Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (http://dictionary.cambridge.org/spellcheck/british/?q=communalization) does not have any definition for the word “communalization” frequently used by you.
I personally feel that it is the handiwork of some unscrupulous and irresponsible sons of the Zo Hnathlaks who have been showing the seeds of communalism among the people, just because they (you) wanted to promote the interest of a particular tribe. I need not mention the name of the tribe, as it is quite obvious from a reading of your article. Is not this the “Narrow domestic walls” stated by you (taken from Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Where the mind is without fear). If you keep on feeding the uninitiated minds, you are creating the “narrow domestic walls” So, Pu Joe Bloggs, please stop feeding the hungry minds of the people with your exclusive ideas. The younger generations are no longer as ignorant, as you might have thought.
This is my personal view so far as “Unity of the Zo nation” is concerned.
When i wanted my to see a cock fighting or any animal fighting, i just use to throw some food in between them, they both fights to get all leading to a nice and eye pleasing fight without even bothering for the food anymore. Animals are animals. Humans should be humans. Why fight for a small thing and make it useless for all? Its quite funny what a Paite or Kuki or Simte or Hmar, etc. We look at each other weaknesses and make fun of each other and people from outside laugh at us all. We all are brothers with different talents. Lets unite and utilize them. Let those who are good in singing lead the song, let those who are good in football lead the football match and so on. I am a Hmar but I don't think its a good idea for a Hmar alone to be a linked language because many others doesn't understand it and so are all the languages. We can all divide equally and linked them with english.
Why are you people fighting…. Zenhang is a hmar tribe , but he lives among the paites specially, Dapzals, they can’t spell Varte or they don’t have R in their alphabet thats why they call themselves Valte.At present Paitesvare more in ccpur, but during our child hood they are numeral, mualveng and surrounding of Zenhang Bazar only is ihabited by them. By that time tedim, Zou they never call them self a paite.I was born and brought up at zenhang bazar, my mum is Hrangchal and uncle zenhang used to summon my dad as a real makpa, on his behalf i used to attend his duty as makpa. that means zenhang is a descedants of a hmar tribe not paihte.
April 13, 2010 at 11:04 a.m. sharp the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Manipur Shri O. Ibobi had inaugurated AIR Sub-Station, Churachandpur declaring PAITE as the link language. It is also learned that broadcasting will start at 4pm today sharp.
IF YOU WANT U JUST MAKE FOR ESPCIALLY FOR YOUR OWN PEOPLE OKAY GUYS….
WHATEVER!!!! I understand Paite, thadou, hmar, mizo, simte, zou, gangte, vaiphei, chin languages.
Now paite is declared the link language for churachandpur AIR. Whoever don't understand Paite language it is your opportunity to learn through the radio. For people who don't understand the remaining languages, it is your opportunity to learn through the same radio programme.
HOWEVER!! now if you want to let your ego play on this little achievement then let it on!!! YOU and ME have lot of things to grab in future probably better than just a mere 4pm-9pm job. Stay foccussed!! God Bless all of us
It seems to me that the author should have been more careful in his words when he tried to praise Lushai(mizo)/duhlian and hmar over the other languages… This is a sensitive issue and one ought to try not offending the other parties.
Anyway, this is an interesting issue and has far reaching consequences. If the Kukis, the Paites and other communities in Manipur can come to a consensus, it will signal that the unification movement is possible to implement. Otherwise we can all remain as small small tribes fighting for small pieces of pies
How does the Paites pronounce their GOD Thangthuam? Thangluam? Thanghuam? They dont have R isnt?
dear brother, the dapzars, have r and thangthuam is pronounced the way it,s s'posed to b. . kindly avoid making fun of issues like this…….unless u want ur bawngkerot banned…….like ur saint lalruotmawi…..(saint of whore)
Paite ho chu an comment a tang hian an mizia a lang vek hi, hnam sual lutuk hi an ni ringawt. hmelchhe hlom si, an proud bawk si. vuakhlum vek tur mole..
Judy, can u atleast comment iti in a more mature way.. When it comes to looks.. who have control over our own looks.. It's God who created everyone after His own Image… So becareful… If we had been that bad a nation/tribe whatever you wish to call, the Mizos, the Hmars few of them who are living in Lamka will not be alive today.. So u can imagine it…
may be it's high time we send these people out of here, the way the dimasas did to those hmars
@khaml: "send these people out of here" shameless bloody khaml.
from where are you planning to sent out?? from your room/house/hell???
Do hmar stay in your room???
neway.. note that im not hmar, but im 100% sided to hmars, coz, you Paite people are very proud and evil minded as everydoby tribes knows that.
dear hysterical, if u dont know wat m talking bout, then kindly shut ur hole. u wanna get involved, it's ur sweet choice….i dont care if u r a hmar or some shit bag……thank u and pls wash ur mouth coz it's full of shit
shut ur m***** @#$% too..
hmei chhia i lom vang zok a ni lo mo Pu Judy? Nge ni in hmeichhe in chuh an chhuh sak che nge ni zawk………..hahahahaha
Paite ho tluk a rilru tha pu an awm hlei nem, mizo zing ah chuan – zalenna ngaisang mi, tawng tlem bok c, mi poi sawi lo tak hnam mole an nih le. Engtir nan heng ang article, paite ho ziah i hmu ngai em le mahni unau hek/cho-nan emo?
All those Paite's visitors:
Why are you so proud of our small tribe and look downs on the other tribe??
You (Paite's) are the most evil minded person among the NE sub tribe.
looking yourself the most inteligent person ever?? dont be, everybody's know that your true nature. even in this site, No kukis or hmar wrote a dirty or bad comment on you, but why you bullshid comment like this??
Read the comments from Judy..hookers.
may be u haven't read enough, if a hand is offered in peace, we will shook it, if threatened or abused, it becomes a fist.
we dnt make any hate comment against our own bro..hmar needs to grow up.. hw can u even make fun of thangthuam?? GOD HV MERCY ON U.
After ALL!! We are all brothers and sisters…
This is more like "Churachandpur lingual war: A CROSS-EYED view" hahaha
No one will win .. there are just too many idiots who don't know what they are talking about .. I am a Paite and CCpur is my home, anyone who has been there knows what's really going on .. everyone is a HERO here .. so whoever has a prblem we can settle it the hard way, the tribal way .. like we did in the War In 1998 and we will by God do it again to anyone who tries to bring us down.
..and u r one of the idiots…… and be careful when use God name.
INHAU RENG MAI…….. HETIANG KAN NIH CHUAN KA CHHUNGKUA HI KAN THRENAWM TEN MIN LA HMUSIT KHAWP ANG
Kei pawh Unau inhauh reng mai chu ka ning khawp mai……. CHALRANG-ho an lawm ngawt ang chu!!!
Mr. John Paite is speaking boldly as he and his tribe is the ultimate power-holder in Ccpur. Think before you speak, u silly thoukang….
very very very ho / hou…………bunch of bluffers…ah!! i just became one of them huhu get me out now…:D:D:D
Seeing all this comments, I don’t understand where we are all heading. I don’t think our Fore Fathers would be smiling at us from above.
When Germany broke into two, they know that they should stand as one though there were different sub tribes like us, they were brillian and they can prosper their own divided states. But they realised their mistakes and reconciliate from their mistakes and reunite Germany into one. Why can’t we learn from these people instead of fighting over supremacy over this small land ?????
Mar
All of you guys commenting here. A BIG SHIT to you ALL. You never love yourself therefore you guys hate one another. Go to HELL every one.
man, u guys are such sour grapes…….get over it…..u will listen Paite on the radio,
@ Lengkai: you mush switchoff your radio (Ladio for Paite) whenever you heard the paite language
dear, why don't u correct urself first before u "heard" the radio…..i can give u free english coaching…..and to think u guys wanted the radio to b aired in english……
judy .. should'nt you be "helping out" your customer? dogs and bitches are not allowed i'ere.
gawd judy .. if you speak like this i dare say i even want to know what you look like !! God have mercy on us!