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.

Keikhu
town
Keikhu is located in Manipur
Keikhu
Keikhu
Location in Manipur, India
Keikhu is located in India
Keikhu
Keikhu
Keikhu (India)
Coordinates: 24°47′26″N 93°58′15″E / 24.79056°N 93.97083°E / 24.79056; 93.97083
Country India
StateManipur
Languages
 • OfficialMeiteilon (Manipuri)
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationMN
Websitemanipur.gov.in

Geography

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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

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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

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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

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Gaan-Ngai 2014 at Keikhu Kabui Village

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

References

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