Latest news with #TangkhulNagas
Time of India
17-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
India's rare bear-like hunting dog breed from Manipur joins Assam Rifles: Meet the loyal and fearless Haofa
Haofa, an indigenous dog breed native to Manipur's Tangkhul region , is gaining national attention for its unmatched hunting instincts, loyalty, and growing role in India's security forces. Once a vital hunting companion among the Tangkhul Nagas, Haofa is now being procured by the Assam Rifles for their Dog Training Centre in Jorhat, Assam. According to ANI, the breed—often likened to a bear due to its robust frame, bluish-black coat, long muzzle, and powerful jaws—is found exclusively in the Ukhrul district of Manipur. Among locals, two main types of Haofa are recognized: a smaller variant used for hunting small game and a larger, more formidable type that serves as both hunter and guardian. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science Finance Cybersecurity CXO Operations Management Digital Marketing MBA Management Leadership Technology Healthcare Public Policy Design Thinking Data Analytics PGDM Data Science others Others Degree Project Management healthcare Product Management Artificial Intelligence MCA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details — ANI (@ANI) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout 2.0: Supercharged Crossout Play Now Undo Tenno, President of the Phungcham Haofa Lover Association, told ANI, "Haofa is an indigenous canine breed of the Tangkhul community. It is found only in this region and nowhere else. Haofa is considered both a guard dog and an excellent hunting dog . Its strong sense of smell makes it highly sought-after." Though the breed once thrived across Tangkhul lands, the population of purebred Haofa has declined significantly in recent decades. Phungcham village remains one of the few places preserving its genetic lineage, thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders. Live Events For the Tangkhul community, Haofa is more than just a dog—it is a living symbol of identity and heritage. Now, this indigenous treasure is attracting national interest. Manipur dog enthusiast Yangpen Yangya highlighted the breed's potential beyond rural terrains. "This dog is very good for us. It can even serve in the country's security forces. Its sense of smell is excellent. It can be used in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. It's extremely loyal to its master and is also great for providing security to children and the elderly," Yangya said in an interview with ANI. Recognising the breed's significance, a team from the Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Imphal, recently conducted a detailed breed assessment in Phungcham. Their findings have been submitted to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Haryana, for official recognition at the national level. Haofa's revival story is not just about a rare breed—it represents a broader movement to preserve indigenous biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the pride of Northeast India.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Naga organisations slam radical group Arambai Tenggol for ‘hoisting' Meitei flag on Shirui peak
GUWAHATI: Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol has ruffled the feathers of Naga organisations in Manipur's Ukhrul district by allegedly 'hoisting' the Meitei flag on the Shirui peak during the ongoing Shirui Lily festival. The Tangkhul Nagas revere the Shirui Hill, which is 97 km from the state capital, Imphal. Most major rivers in the region originate from the crevices and slopes of Shirui Peak, located at an altitude of 2,835 metres. The festival is a solemn celebration of Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), which is Manipur's state flower, Tangkhul land and the enduring spirit of the community. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the five-day and state government-sponsored festival on May 20. The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) said it was an utterly 'disgraceful and despicable' attempt by Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the festival for petty and dirty political gains at the wrong place and time. 'Do you even care to know that the Shirui Lily festival is a celebration dedicated to the truth of the inexplicable wonders of God's creations? That tiny, innocuous flower blossoming and blooming lusciously on a picturesque hilltop evokes so much of an aura and excitement,' said TNL president Sword Vashum said.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Arambai Tenggol flag hoisted on Manipur's Shirui peak, Nagas angry
GUWAHATI: The Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical group, has angered the Nagas by allegedly hoisting its flag on the Shirui peak in Manipur's Ukhrul district during the five-day Shirui Lily Festival that ends May 25. The Tangkhul Naga community considers the 9,304 ft Shirui peak sacred as many rivers and streams originate from it. The endemic and seasonal Shirui lily (Lilium mackliniae), celebrated through an annual festival organised by Manipur Tourism, derives its name from this peak. Midway through the Shirui Lily Festival, which was inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on May 21, a group of people claiming to be members of the Arambai Tenggol's Cobra Team – Unit 58 put up a 'seven-coloured Meitei flag' on the peak. The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), an apex student body, condemned the hoisting of the flag and said it was a 'deliberate political provocation' and 'an insult' to the identity, culture, and territorial sanctity of Tangkhul Nagas. 'The Shirui Lily Festival is a solemn celebration of our rare endemic flower, our land, and the enduring spirit of the Tangkhul Naga people. To carry out this kind of symbolic aggression in sacred Tangkhul territory is a calculated attempt to disrupt peace and politicise a neutral cultural platform,' the TKS said in a statement. The organisation said any repetition of such 'reckless and inflammatory' action will not go unchallenged. 'While the Tangkhul people have traditionally welcomed all visitors to the Shirui Lily Festival with open arms, their hospitality must not be mistaken for weakness,' it added. The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex social body of the Tangkhuls, also slammed the 'utterly disgraceful and despicable attempt by the Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the Shirui Lily Festival for petty and dirty political gains at the wrong place and time'. 'Do you even care to know that the Shirui Lily Festival is a celebration dedicated to the truth of the inexplicable wonders of God's creations? The tiny flower, Shirui lily, blooming on a picturesque hilltop evokes an aura and excitement, requiring us to maintain humanity's dignity,' TNL president Sword Vashum said. He said the Nagas and Meiteis, brought within the same geographical boundaries by the British rulers in 1891, do not have a common history or heritage. 'Therefore, we should settle for good neighbourliness,' he said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Manipur assembly speaker attends Shirui Lily Fest in Ukhrul
Ukhrul: The 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival, in its third day on Friday, witnessed the attendance of Manipur legislative assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, along with several MLAs. On Wednesday, Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Shirui village of Manipur's Ukhrul district. During the ceremony, Bhalla expressed his happiness and said, "I am very happy that I have come here; it's truly worth visiting this place. I am also glad that we are organising the Shirui Festival after a gap of two years. Seeing the enthusiasm and participation among the community is very encouraging. It's a very good thing for the region and the state." Marking the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily's discovery, the festival aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. It brings together locals, indigenous tribes, and visitors from across India and abroad to experience the vibrant culture of the Tangkhul Nagas through traditional dance, music, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like É Aniversário da Shopper Fresh! Compre já Undo The Shirui Lily Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and community, inspiring all to protect and preserve the unique heritage it represents. The event continues to foster unity and environmental awareness, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come. ANI Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
India Gazette
21-05-2025
- India Gazette
Manipur Governor inaugurates 5th Shirui Lily Festival, calls for peace and growth in eco-tourism
Manipur [India], May 21 (ANI): Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village in Ukhrul district. At the inauguration ceremony, Governor Bhalla expressed his happiness, saying, 'I am very happy that I have come here; it's truly worth visiting this place. I am also glad that we are organising the Shirui Festival after a gap of two years. Seeing the enthusiasm and participation among the community is very encouraging. It's a very good thing for the region and the state.' The festival celebrates the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), found only in the Shirui Hills. The Governor described it as 'a living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage.' He added, 'The state flower, Shirui Lily, is not just a pride for this Ukhrul region but for the entire state and the country.' Emphasizing the importance of eco-tourism, Governor Bhalla said, 'This is an important eco-tourism attraction that we can promote well. Of course, we need to improve infrastructure, but with a focused government approach, I am hopeful that in the coming years, this place will become a key destination on India's tourism map--and even globally.' Governor Bhalla also stressed peace and unity, urging communities to come together. 'I want to send a message that such beautiful places are not for conflicts but for harmony. Differences of opinion may exist, but they should not hinder celebrations like this. I appeal to everyone, especially people from all sides of the valley, to come together and enjoy the festival in unity. Our common people want to celebrate and enjoy these moments, and we should support that.' Marking the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily's discovery, the festival aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. It brings together locals, indigenous tribes, and visitors from across India and abroad to experience the vibrant culture of the Tangkhul Nagas through traditional dance, music, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine. The delicate Shirui Lily blooms only in the unique microclimate of the Shirui Hills and cannot be grown elsewhere, making this region its only sanctuary. The Governor reminded all, 'For this year, our message is to bring peace back to the state. The theme is celebrating peace and harmony in diversity.' As the festival celebrates nature and culture, Governor Bhalla called upon everyone to cherish and protect Manipur's rich heritage. 'The red flower is a living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage. Organised with this dual vision of promoting sustainable ecotourism and environmental awareness,' he said. The Shirui Lily Festival continues to inspire pride and environmental responsibility while fostering unity among Manipur's diverse communities. Visitors and locals alike shared their excitement about the festival's vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness. 'Our villagers have been very helpful in organising the event. We are preparing everything carefully, from welcoming guests to managing festivities. Everyone here is eager to host visitors warmly and make them feel at home,' said Soyo Wungsek, Headman of Shirui Village. 'The festival is lively and vibrant, attracting many tourists. The cultural programs and natural beauty together create a memorable experience. It's evident that the organisers have put in great effort to make this event a success,' said Anushka Karlwal, a visitor from Uttar Pradesh attending the festival. 'I'm really impressed by the hospitality and the unique charm of this place.' The Shirui Lily Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and community, inspiring all to protect and preserve the unique heritage it represents. The event continues to foster unity and environmental awareness, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.(ANI)
