Manipur: The adversity of Willong Khullen; a place with immense potential highly neglected!
Manipur, once fondly called the jewel of the east, for its splendid natural beauty, is a state not too frequently visited. Blame it on the remoteness of the state from the Indian mainland, being nestled…
Located at a distance of 39 kilometres from the Maram Village in Manipur, Willong Khullen is characterised by its numerous stone erections which are similar to the Stonehenge. The tallest of the stones are as high as 7 meters and are about a meter in thickness. The place is located on the slopes of the valley and offers a serene picnic and resting spot for the travellers. It is said that the stones are uncountable as there is a spirit that would confuse you midway while counting. According to local villager, these giant stone structures were erected by their forefathers and this megalithic structures has a close connection with the mythology of the area. Each Stones has a unique story. They also believe that all the stones have their own name and they 'really talk' to each other at night. In male's voice, each stone called one another with their names such as 'Kala', 'Kanga', 'Hila', etc.
Villagers explained that only a man of exceptional strength and power can think of erecting a stone at the site. He would have to go and find a suitable stone from a far off place and the villagers would assist him in bringing the stone to the village. Before bringing the stone to the village, the man have to fast for one whole night and perform a ritual by offering wine before the stone. Only after getting a favourable nod from the stone, he would be allowed to lift it from the original place. If the man found any difficult in lifting the stone then the villagers would sing a special folk song to bring it to Katak Tukhum area.
According to villagers, none could count the exact number of stones that have been erected at Katak Tukhum area. There is also a folk tale about a Japanese, who challenged to count the number of stones but had to retreat after a white wild boar chased him away from the place. Even today, there is still a giant stone at the outskirt of the village which the villagers regarded it as sent by God to mark the demarcation of Willong village. But with the advent of Christianity such tradition and culture of the Marams seem to be moving away. Fortunately there is still a microscopic minority among the Marams who have been bonding with their ancestral practices and beliefs. Because of this group of people it is indeed grateful in capturing a glimpse of the bygone remnants. As only a few elders who know about the history of these stones are surviving today, villagers feared that all the folk songs, riddles, tales that are connected with these giant stones might be forgotten soon, never to be heard by the new generations to come. Most youngsters are in no mood to listen to all these stories to understand the importance of this historical legacy.
Expressing desire for declaring the area as a historical site, the villagers have also urged the state government and its department concerned to construct a building where all these stones, their associated folklores could be preserved. In fact, with an eye on keeping alive the historical legacy of Katak Tukhum, the process of collecting some folk tales and songs have already been started by the villagers themselves. However, the state government never bothers to preserve the age-old stones for future generations.
Adding to the adversity even the locals seems to be oblivious of this place or the monoliths. Sadly, such an iconic site is left in ruins and the Government has taken zero steps to promote such a monumental site. It is disheartening to see sheds constructed to store construction material right in front of this monument. Tiny homes have started to encroach the land around. In a matter of time this entire monument would go invisible.
Reaching this wonder in 'Willong' could be tough as there is absolutely no public transportation available. The only way to reach is to hire a vehicle either from Imphal or Kohima and do it as a day trip. Also, there are no places to stay or eat there. Willong is equidistant from both State Capitals.
Villagers are apprehensive on the fading recognition of the state's oldest historical site, their urge to gain recognition and their fear of extinction is growing over the days.
Compilation by Zaheera Ahmed with inputs from the Internet
