The Tangkhuls, also known as the Tangkhul Nagas, are a Naga ethnic group living in Ukhrul District, occupying the Ukhrul district and Kamjong district in the Northeast Indian state of Manipur, and in parts of neighbouring Myanmar. Despite this international border, many Tangkhul have continued to regard themselves as "one nation".Khamrang, Khayaipam (2000) "The Tangkhul Naga Tribe between Tradition and Modernity" pp. 37–71, page 49, In Frei, Fritz (editor) (2000) Inkulturation zwischen Tradition und Modernität: Kontext, Begriffe, Modelle Freiberg University Press, Freiberg, Switzerland, The name "Tangkhul" is originated from the Meitei language words, "Tang" meaning "scarce" and "Khul" meaning "village" respectively. According to another theory of origin, the term "Tangkhul" is derived from "Thankhul", meaning "Than village" in Meitei language.
Relationship with the Meiteis
Haoreima, the Meitei goddess of tragic love and separation, was actually a deified person of the Tangkhul origin. She was a daughter of Khelemba, a Tangkhul chief of Chingdai village, and was married to Khamlangba, a Tangkhul chief of Chingshong village. Despite marrying Khamlangba, she had a secret love affair with Meitei king Meidingu Tabungba, also called Tabung Saphaba (1359-1394 CE). However, the Meitei king had an untimely death, which shocked Lady Haoreima. Afterwards, she went to the Kanglei Pungmayol (in modern day Imphal). Later, she also died, following her lover's path and was eventually venerated as the Meitei goddess of tragic love and separation. She is also identified as goddess Ireima, an incarnation of goddess Panthoibi of the Meitei pantheon.
Tangkhul Naga Long Tangkhul Naga Long, founded in 1929, is the apex body of the Tangkhul Naga community in Manipur.Divya Bahn, Memorial stones spark row in Manipur as Kukis accused of distorting history, The New Indian Express, 17 October 2019. It is made up of chiefs and leaders of different Tangkhul villages.Former TNL president decides to enter electoral fray in Phungyar AC, The Frontier Manipur, 13 October 2021. It represents Tangkhul aspirations and puts forward demands to the government on on behalf of the Tangkhul people.Manipur: Tangkhul Naga Long Submits 14-Point Demand Charter to CM During His Ukhrul Visit, Northeast Live, 17 April 2026.
In 2022, its president Hopkinson A. Shimray resigned to enter electoral politics. Its current president is Sword Vashum.Angana Chakrabarti, Robinson Wahengbam, Peace, at Gunpoint, The Reporters' Collective, 28 June 2026."We have no future in present Manipur...", Chief of Apex Tangkhul Organisation, The Lungleng Show, via YouTube, 24 November 2025.
See also Bible translations into the languages of Northeast India
Further reading Akhui, Z. A. S. (1973) A Short Account of Tangkhul Naga Culture Imphal Arokianathan, S. (1987) Tangkhul Naga Grammar Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore, India, Horam, Mashangthei (1988) Naga Insurgency: The Last Thirty Years Cosmo Publications, New Delhi, Shimray, A. S. W. (2001) History of the Tangkhul Nagas Akansha Pub. House, New Delhi, Shongzan, Mayaso (2013) "A Portrait of the Tangkhul Nagas" the Exodus, Ukhrul. Josiah Luithui, (2014) "Liberation Theology of the Head-Hunters Tangkhul Naga", TTA, Ukhrul.
Notable people Rishang Keishing Darlando Khathing Ralengnao Khathing Rewben Mashangva Wungngayam Muirang Thuingaleng Muivah Min Naing Hormipam Ruivah Hangmila Shaiza Yangmaso Shaiza Rungsung Suisa
Notes
References
External links http://www.tangkhul.com http://www.ukhrul.nic.in http://www.tangkhulnet.tripod.com https://tangkhulonline.com/