The Rengma Heritage Village ‘Khwenphen’ was officially inaugurated on April 12 at the heritage complex with Er. Tesinlo Semy, President Rengma Hoho as the Guest of Honor.
Considering the rich historical and cultural significance of the Rengma people, to further preserve its unique cultural heritage and to strengthen unity and brotherhood among the people, the Kasha Lorin Village Union initiated the concept of the heritage village which was later approved by the Rengma Hoho during its executive meeting.
In the early hour the monolith stone was dedicated by Rev. CH Wahi and unveiled by the guest of honor. During the inaugural function the guest of Honor spoke about the importance of unity and respect as a community to progress. He also urged the gathering to inculcate the value of discipline, honesty and integrity from our forefathers. The program also witnessed participation and speeches from different Rengma frontal organization such as RMA, RSZ, Rengma GB forum and Rengma Chairman forum.
Brief History of Khwenphen
Khwenphen is considered the first established Rengma village. The place lies 10 km away from the District Headquarter Tseminyu, near Kashanyu village.
It has been said that when the ancestors arrived at the place, it was full of wild banana called ‘Tekhwen’ (in short it is also called ‘Khwen). They cleared the wild banana vegetation and settled down naming the village ‘Khwenphen’ which means ‘village of wild banana’. History also recorded that the following leaders who lived together at Khwenphen were Kasha, Kito, Tsopoe, Tsemi, Senden and Thongsü.
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The various clans that lived In Khwenphen were Tepenyu (Tep), Semvünyenyu (Semy), Khingjonyu (Khing), Sebunyu (Seb),Sempfünyu (Semp), Thongsünyu (Thong) and Nyenthonyu. Almost all the Rengmas,some Lothas and Semas once lived together at Khwenphen before dispersing to different directions to establish their own villages.
From Khwenphen, Senden and Thongsü went towards the west and established Sendenyu and Thongsu village. Tsemi led his group and settled at Tseminyu village, Khasü and his group went and settled at Tsegwenyuphen (present NAP Camp, Tseminyu town) before moving further North to establish their villages. Tsopoe led his group and settled at Akuk village in the Lotha area. Kasha being the Head of the village was the last to leave Khwenphen, Kasha and Kito led their group and settled in the lower side of the Eastern part of Terogüthun called Lolaphenyu (present GHS Kasha to Phenwhenyu village).
