Tesinlo Semy along with other members during the
inauguration of Rengma heritage village ‘Khwenphen’ on April 12.
- DIMAPUR — A
Rengma heritage village 'Khwenphen' was officially inaugurated on April 12 at
the heritage site by Tesinlo Semy, president of Rengma Hoho, as the guest of
honour.
- The guest of honour unveiled the monolith stone and was
dedicated by Rev. CH Wahi, stated an update from Rengma Selo Zi.
- Delivering the inaugural speech, the guest of honour
stressed the importance of unity and respect for a community to progress. He
also urged the gathering to inculcate the value of discipline, honesty and
integrity of their forefathers.
- The programme witnessed participation and speeches from
different Rengma frontal organisation such as RMA, RSZ, Rengma GBs’ Forum and
Rengma Chairmen Forum.
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- It mentioned that the Kasha Lorin Village Union initiated
the concept of a heritage village considering the rich historical and cultural
significance of the Rengma people and to further preserve the unique cultural
heritage and strengthen unity and brotherhood among the people. It added that
the initiative was approved by the Rengma hoho during its executive meeting.
-
- Brief history of Khwenphen
- Khwenphen is considered the first established Rengma
village. The place lies 10 km away from the district headquarters Tseminyu,
near Kashanyu village.
- When the ancestors arrived at the place, it was filled with
wild banana called 'Tekhwen' (in short it is also called 'Khwen). They cleared
the wild banana vegetation and settled down and named the village 'Khwenphen,'
which means village of wild banana.
- It was said that the leaders who lived together in Khwenphen
were Kasha, Kito, Tsopoe, Tsemi, Senden and Thongsü. The various clans that
lived in Khwenphen were Tepenyu (Tep), Semvünyenyu (Semy), Khingjonyu (Khing),
Sebunyu (Seb), Sempfünyu (Semp), Thongsünyu (Thong) and Nyenthonyu.
