Manipur, May 28 (MExN): The Thadou Inpi Manipur has expressed profound grief over the demise of Pu Mangvung Paokholun Haokip, hereditary chief of Longja village in Manipur’s Chandel district, who passed away on May 27 at around 11:30 am at PC Nursing Hospital in Churachandpur after a prolonged illness.
In a condolence message, the organisation described him as a respected and beloved leader who upheld Thadou unity and identity throughout his life.
Pu M Paokholun Haokip was the son of late Pu M Sonjakhup Haokip, Mangvung Bulpipa (Head of Mangvung clan), and grandson of Thadou War martyr Pu Ngulbul Haokip of Longja village.
The organisation recalled that Pu Ngulbul Haokip, chief of Longja village and head of the Mangvung clan, fought as a frontline commander during the Thadou War of 1917-1919 and attained martyrdom during the Battle of Lonpi Fort in 1918. His sacrifice, it said, remains a symbol of bravery and resistance for the Mangvung clan and the Thadou community.
According to the statement, Pu M Sonjakhup Haokip strongly defended Thadou identity and unity and, in April 2018, rejected the “Seldinglhuh” declaration issued by Chassadpa, head of the Haokip clan and chief of Chassad village, along with certain leaders of the Haokip People’s Council (HPC).
The organisation alleged that the declaration was part of an “anti-Thadou campaign and conspiracy” and included a ritual curse against Haokip members remaining in Thadou organisations. It further claimed that the ritual was anti-Christian in nature.
The statement said Sonjakhup Haokip upheld the historical position that the Mangvung clan, along with Kipgen, Haokip and related clans, trace their ancestry to the Thadou community.
Continuing his father’s stand, Pu M Paokholun Haokip led a Thadou delegation from the Haokip side to the Kipgen clan-head at Leikot village in Kangpokpi on August 14, 2018, to “undo and remove” the “Seldinglhuh” curse.
The organisation stated that the move was based on the traditional belief that the Kipgen clan, regarded as the elder brother clan of the Haokip clan, should ritually wash away the divisive curse to prevent harm to Haokip clansmen associated with various Thadou organisations.
During his lifetime, Pu Paokholun Haokip remained committed to preserving Thadou unity and carrying forward the legacy of his ancestors, the statement said. He also served as “Hun-pa” of the 4th Manipur State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival held at Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi, in 2021.
The organisation further stated that the Mangvung chieftainship of Longja village had remained a symbol of Thadou resilience and unity across generations — from the sacrifice of Pu Ngulbul Haokip in 1918, to the stand taken by Sonjakhup Haokip in 2018, and the leadership of Pu Paokholun Haokip in 2018 and 2021.
The Thadou Inpi Manipur conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, the Mangvung clan, residents of Longja village and well-wishers, praying for strength and peace for the family in their time of grief.
