Ganja, poppy flourish at Thangal Surung

IMPHAL, Feb 9, 2013: Though Thangal Surung (cave) village is closely associated with the history of Manipur, ganja and poppy plants have been widely cultivated in the absence of any Government attention for the last many years.

Moreover, the very cave has been covered by waste materials and wild plants.

Together with a team of media, members of the Information Centre for Hill Areas Manipur (ICHAM) today vi-sited the historic place. Saikul AC MLA Yamthong Haokip was also present during the trip to Thangal Surung.

Thangal cave is located in a hill, about two hours’ walk from Thangal village under Saikul sub-division. Thangal village is the birth-place of national hero Thangal General.

But the villagers have taken to cultivation of poppy and ganja as source of their livelihood. The historic cave has also been reduced to a poor shadow of its former self because of disposing waste materials there.

There is a legend that linseed and live chickens thrown down the Thangal cave emer-ged at Kangla, said MLA Yamthong Haokip.

If a pucca road is constructed up to the historic cave and a park built around it, the area can become a po-pular tourist spot in addition to strengthening the fraternal bond between hills and valley.

He also lamented that the State Government seems to unaware of the historic significance of Thangal cave and it present pathetic condition.

ICHAM president N Ra-jendro (Boy) expressed se- rious concern that intoxicating plants like ganja and pop- py are being cultivated at the historic place.

He appealed to the State Government to install a statue of Thangal General and construct a guest house in the name of Thangal General at Thangal village.

A memorandum highlighting these demands was also submitted to the Chief Minister through MLA Yamthong Haokip.

Thangal village chief K Lungkham said that Thangal Surung village was once inhabited by Tangkhuls and Meiteis together before they went to different directions.

He also urged the Government to take up necessary measures in order to preserve the legendary cave.