RKL holds consultative meeting in preparation for 2024 Platinum Jubilee

Ukhrul: The Raphei Katamnao Long (RKL) the apex student body of the northern part of Tangkhul on Thursday had a consultative meeting at TNL Hall, Ukhrul headquarters.

The consultative meeting was organised against the backdrop of the forthcoming platinum jubilee celebration of RKL slated for 9-19 January 2024 at Kuirei village. A total of 45 units affiliated with RKL participated in the meeting, including village authorities, pastors, and student leaders. 

President of RKL, Somipam Vashum extended a warm welcome to the delegates coming from different affiliated units. Convenor, the organising committee of RKL Platinum Jubilee 2024, Sorin Khaleng called for unity among the brethren to come together as one to celebrate the historic platinum jubilee at Kuirei village.

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Headman of Chingai, Kaphungkan K Shimray, Chairman of Peh, Moon Shimrah and Pastor of Paorei Baptist Church, Rev Jonah M Solo delivered speeches and encouraged the gathering to work for the upliftment and betterment of the Raphei region and for the successful celebration of the forthcoming platinum jubilee. 

The gathering also prayed for the past leaders who have shouldered responsibility, for the present RKL executive and organising committee and for the host village. 

A few educated Rapheinao came together and formed the Northern Students Conference (NSC) at Khamasom in 1949. This was a platform for the gathering of Christians. S Partiew of Chingjaroi was the first chairman of the NSC.

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Due to the prevailing situation of that time, the organisation remained dormant for a few years and was again revived by school teachers from North Tangkhul in 1956 at Longpi Kajui. Solomon Kazingmei from Lunghar village was elected as president and C Peter from Halang was elected as secretary.

In 1959 at Phungcham, the nomenclature was changed to Raphei Student’s Conference (RSC). It was during this period, many villages that were part of NSC left the organization because of the term RAPHEI. During that time many villages considered Raphei a backward area. Machung Pheirei of Phungcham became the president of RSC.

In 1963/64 at Paoyi (Peh) the nomenclature was again changed to Raphei Student’s Union (RSU) and became the apex students’ organisation of northern Tangkhul. The familiar motto “Rise and Shine” was adopted and Rathing Pheirei of Phungcham was elected as president.

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From RSU, the nomenclature again changed to RKS in 1988 and to present Raphei Katamnao Long (RKL) in 1994 during the presidentship of Tuisem Kamkara of Nungbi Khullen. 

75 years have passed since the formation of this organisation. For 75 years, we the Rapheinao have walked hand in hand against all odds. The past leaders and elders have sacrificed their time and shouldered their responsibility. Now, it is the duty of the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of love, harmony and unity among the Raphei brethren.

Preparation is in full swing for the forthcoming platinum jubilee celebration. Raphei beckons you. The president and colleagues of RKL, the organising committee and the local organising committee have fervently appealed to all the Rapheinao to take out their time and attend the celebration.

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