Keikhu Explained

Keikhu
Settlement Type:town
Pushpin Map:India Manipur#India
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Manipur, India
Coordinates:24.7906°N 93.9708°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: India
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Manipur
Unit Pref:Metric
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics Type1:Languages
Demographics1 Title1:Official
Demographics1 Info1:Meiteilon (Manipuri)
Timezone1:IST
Utc Offset1:+5:30
Registration Plate:MN

Keikhu (also Keikhoo) is a village, itself consisting of two twin villages, in the Imphal East district of Manipur, India.[1] The village in the south, known as Keikhu Kabui,[2] is inhabited by the Kabui tribes, the early settlers of the place. The one in the north, known as Keikhu Muslim,[3] belongs to a mixed tribe who identifies themselves as Pangal, a collective term used for Manipuri-Muslims.

Geography

The villages are located approximately 2 km ESE of Imphal, capital of the state of Manipur.[4] The village lies along the Baruni hill, visited by Hindus as a ritual during the festival celebrating Shiva. The two villages are geographically divided by a rivulet. The village suffered from destructive flooding in 2010.[2]

Demographics

The two villages of Keikhu belong to under-represented minorities in the state. One is inhabited by Kabuis, a Schedule Tribe, and the other by Pangals, a Scheduled Caste. The Keikhu-Kabuis speak the Kabui Naga language, while the Keikhu-Pangal speak the Pangal dialect of Meiteilon.

Ethnic conflict

There have been violent confrontations between the two communities from at least 1993 to 2023, as well as calls for peace from community groups and leaders.[5] [3] A camp was set up in Keikhu for displaced victims of wider ethinic conflict in the region.[3]

Community and events

Keikhu hosts large annual Gaan-Ngai celebrations.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Blocks & Panchayats IMPHAL EAST DISTRICT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR India . District Administration, Imphal East District . 24 May 2024.
  2. News: Flood relief materials distributed to affected people : 14th oct10 ~ E-Pao! Headlines . 24 May 2024 . www.e-pao.net . 13 October 2010.
  3. News: Distribution of relief items continues in various camps . Imphal Free Press . 11 May 2023 . en.
  4. Web site: Map of Porom Pat Sub Division, Imphal East District, Manipur, Indicating Road, Drainage & Waterbodies, Village Boundary . manipur.gov.in . Government of Manipur . 24 May 2024.
  5. News: Peace call : 04th may04 ~ E-Pao! Headlines . 24 May 2024 . www.e-pao.net. 4 May 2004.
  6. News: State level Gaan-Ngai 2014 at Keikhu, Kabui Village :: January 13, 2014 ~ Pictures from Manipur . 24 May 2024 . www.e-pao.net.