RKL Platinum Celebration Kicks Off at Kuirei

Ukhrul: The 75th-year platinum jubilee celebration, combined with the 57th General Conference, sports, cultural, and literary meet of Raphei Katamnao Long (RKL), commenced on Wednesday at Kuirei Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur.

Khashim Vashum, minister of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Transport, Manipur, attended the opening ceremony as chief guest. Kengoo Zuringa (IAS), deputy commissioner of Ukhrul, and Jain Huileng, ADC/ADM Kamjong District, were the guests of honour.

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SK Ivis, son of Late S Pardiew (Espi), the first chairman of RKL, unveiled the platinum jubilee monolith, and Luckyson N Kashug (IAS), deputy secretary, (RD & PR), Government of Manipur, unveiled the LOC Monolith. Machung Pheiray, former president of RKL, released the souvenir.

Speaking at the occasion, minister Khashim Vashum extended his utmost respect to the torchbearers and elders of Raphei who have contributed so much to RKL. “Today I am standing here in front of you all because of the sacrifice made by our leaders and leaders of the past. I am indeed grateful to all of you,” stated minister Khashim Vashum.

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Minister Khashim Vashum continued, “So many leaders have set an example. How many youngsters will follow and live up to the mark. Time has changed, and we should adapt to the changing world. Let this year’s celebration be very different from the previous RKL Conference cum Sports Meet.”

He reminded the gathering that Raphei has contributed much to Christianity and the Naga national movement. In the area of development, we are witnessing a few positive changes. Development will come when there is peace in the village or area. Minister Khashim Vashum handed over Rs. 1.75 lakh to the President of RKL for the admission fees of 50 students from the Raphei area who wish to study at Scholar Pakshimi School, Ukhrul, and also presented one water storage tank to all the units participating in the conference.

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Kengoo Zuringla called upon the Rapheinao to strive harder for the betterment of our society. She stated that “with perseverance and endurance, we can achieve our goals and urge the gathering not to focus on what we don’t have but to look for means and the resources available in our community to build our society.”

Jain Huileng stated that “we the Rapheinao are second to none. With the celebration of the platinum jubilee, it is time for the Rapheinao to come together, forgive our past deeds, and make new ways for a better tomorrow. Let this celebration bring a new harbinger to the Rapheinao.”

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Fame Tangkhul artists Chonchon Varah and Ngathingpam Tangvah presented the theme song. A special display of martial arts by Ukhrul District Karate Kids and a cultural display by Chingjaroi Ngachaphung added more color to the celebration. A grand feast was organized to mark the platinum jubilee celebration, which will wind up on January 19, 2024.

Raphei Katamnao Long, a conglomeration of 45 villages, was founded in 1949, and it is the apex student body of Tangkhul in the northern part of Ukhrul District.

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