Merenwapang Walling, Convenor of the Crore Committee representing Ao Morung from Khensa Village, expressed pride and gratitude for the recognition received for their efforts in dry and wet waste management, indigenous food delicacies, and three varieties of local rice beer—Normal Local Rice Beer, Tapioca Cubes, and Sticky Rice Beer. Walling described the acknowledgment as a “proud feeling moment” and extended his thanks to visitors for their support and appreciation.
On average, the Ao Morung witnesses daily footfall of 400 to 500 visitors, including local, domestic, and international tourists. However, Walling admitted that the numbers are lower compared to previous years, citing government-imposed restrictions on private vehicle entry and reliance on shuttle buses as possible reasons.
The Ao Morung Is operated with a team of around 30 volunteers, 20 cooks, a management committee of 20 members, and a Crore Committee comprising six members. Most of the food items, except pork, eel, and chicken, are sourced directly from Khensa Village, reinforcing the community’s commitment to self-reliance.
Walling highlighted that weekends attract more visitors, with daily numbers reaching 500 to 600, while weekdays see approximately 400 visitors. The Morung generates revenue of ₹5–6 lakhs during peak sales on weekends and around ₹3 lakhs on weekdays.
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Challenges and Aspirations
Despite the success, Walling acknowledged several challenges, including manpower management, as operations are handled entirely by villagers without professional expertise. Other issues include water scarcity, poor telecommunications impacting online transactions and connectivity, transportation delays due to traffic, and space constraints that limit the number of visitors.
The Ao Morung, single-handedly managed by nearly 1,000 villagers from Khensa, aims to preserve the authenticity of Ao traditions and culture. Visitors frequently inquire about the significance of the Morung and the log drum, which is addressed by the Khensa Cultural Club, assisting with cultural heritage information.
Walling expressed appreciation for visitors from diverse backgrounds and acknowledged occasional service delays during rush hours. “We might have missed delivering our best service at times, but we hope it is understandable. We are committed to improving and offering the best experience possible,” he said.
The Ao Morung represented by Khensa village is aimed in preserving cultural traditions while catering to the evolving demands of modern tourism. Walling looks forward to welcoming more visitors in the coming days and concluded by thanking everyone for their support and blessings.
