Ashento Magh
Senior citizen of Sewanu Village, Tseminyu
Historical records indicate that during British rule in India, the British king summoned the Ahom king to a meeting. However, the king refused and instead sent Keyhun, to represent him Keyhun (Phukan) the army general of the Ahom kingdom now in Sibsagar his bungalow is so big, partition on two sides other side belongs to Ahom office and the other side belongs to Keyhun (Phukan) and it is look after by the Assam government. keyhun arrived in full Rengma traditional attire, which, according to history, made him appear ghost-like. The British officer was shocked upon seeing keyhun and asked, in his own language, what he called a ghost in their dialect. Keyhun replied, "RUMIE."
According to historical records, the name "RENGMA" is believed to have originated during this period. The historian also notes that the year 1535 marks the birth of the Rengma community. Keyhun served as a prominent army general of the Ahom dynasty and is known to have led military campaigns along the Brahmaputra River in Assam in efforts to oppose Aurangzeb between (1658-1707). The Keyhun lineage has historically contributed to the spread of its influence. Especially, the Chori Naga community in Manipur has got 11 villages. It is also noted that Myanmar (Burma) comprises five to six villages associated with these groups.
RONGA (Rengma Petroit)
Is associated with Ranghabahar, also known as Ronga Bahar, which is part of the Rengma community. His realm historically extended across Ranghabahar and Diphu. The Ronga lineage is primarily connected to the Western Rengma. Their territory includes parts of Dimapur, Diphu, Rengma pani,salonagen and the Western Rengma region. Western region have seven (7) Redges one was capture by (Kuki) and another by the Karbi.
Diphu, the Rengma language is traditionally referred to as "Water search"—with "Di" meaning water and "Phu" meaning search—indicating that Diphu is recognised as a water search within Rengma land.
The Karbi community originates from the Meghalaya area. In the present days there is a huge tree and beneath that tree people do bazaar and business also known Hamrin bazaar between Assam and Meghalaya border. They use the same title or surname known as Teran, Teron, Enti, Ronpi. Both Karbi and Khasi use this title/surname and they originates from the khasi.
Konrhi is recognised as the birthplace of his children: Jenshvü, Tepu and Ndzon Tegibu.
Terogvü Thun, located on the mountain above the present CRBC headquarters, is also a notable geographic feature.
Ndzon Tegibu typically resides in the valley of Terogvü Thun during the daytime when the parents are working in the fields. He stays at home to look after the children whose parents are away. During the day, he gathers all the young children into a cave and provides them with their meals. Out of caution for their safety, especially from potential threats, he allows the children to return to their homes in the evening after their parents have come back. Later on Ndzon Tegibu took seventy (70) youth to Dimapur.
Additionally, Ndzon Tegibu and his group regularly travel between their village and Dimapur, taking measures to keep their movements discreet. When heading towards Dimapur, he would conceal his path using natural materials to avoid detection. On the return journey, he would purchase a spear, cut the concealment rope, and arrive safely back in the village.
Ndzon Tegibu had a romantic relationship with Dima Raja youngest wife, who was one of Dima Raja several wives. Eventually, Dima Raja learned of this relationship and confronted Ndzon Tegibu. In the face of this, Ndzon Tegibu expressed his readiness to face any challenge, Dima Raja challenge him will you dug seven water ponds in one night or you will fight with Tiger Ndzon Tegibu confidently replied I will fight with Tiger. Upon learning the situation Ndzon Tegibu lover told him my husband Dima Raja will give you two swords one will be shiny sword and the other will be ordinary swords, so you chose ordinary sword. Dima Raja, gave him two separate swords hoping he would choose the ordinary sword one, with which Ndzon Tegibu later defeated a tiger.
Ndzon Tegibu was also known to practice concealment and observation from a mountain vantage point to monitor Dima Raja’s movements.
So Ndzon Tegibu, who planned to killed Dima Raja. However, his lover advised him against it, suggesting an alternative strategy: when Dima Raja goes for a bath, I will set a fire so that when the smoke rises, you can seize his belongings. The youngest wife of Dima Raja explained that during his baths, Dima Raja always carried a sword and a waistcoat containing a powerful natural gemstone, which he would leave near the pond. She suggested that while he was bathing, you can snatch his sword and steal his waistcoat containing a powerful natural gemstone.
During that time, he managed to seize his sword and place it on his waistband. Ndzon Tegibu followed her instructions and took all the belongings. Dima Raja emerged from the pond, only to find his possessions missing; he then expressed to Ndzon Tegibu that he might be in danger of being killed. Dima Raja, however, bowed before Ndzon Tegibu, after which he beheaded him. After some years, Ndzon Tegibu proceeded directly to Bangal (present-day Bangladesh).
Ndzon Tegibu graveyard was in Bangladesh, it is believe that the graveyard land was taken back after Indo-Bangla war 1971 and it is now on Indian side. In his graveyard hornbill feathers, spear and dao were inscripted, this might be Ndzon tegibu graveyard the Nagas believe in that.
The spread of Ndzon Tegibu generation among the villages of Bangladesh indicates that over 60 villages are under heriditary influence of Ndzon Tegibu. During the period between 1966-1967, General Kaito led an expedition with his army to Bangladesh, where he learned of the existence of Rengma ancestors and their hereditary rights in the region. No Naga inhabited areas wanted to host the Naga flag. Nevertheless, somewhere 1951-52 the Naga flag was respectfully hoisted in Rengma territory at Parashen, located between the present-day Sendenyu and Phensenyu villages, within Tseminyu district. After which federal government of Nagaland (Rengma region) was officially enrolled. General Thunthi Chang, hoisted the first Naga flag with the flag woven by Rengma women named Runole and Keshenle.
Following the hoisting of the Naga flag in Rengma country, the Indian Army commenced military operations in the region, which involved casualties, destruction of granaries, and various assaults. The Rengma community experienced significant hardship, representing the sacrifices made by the Nagas. It is important for all Nagas to understand the challenges faced by the Rengma people during this period.
Subsequently, there are ongoing discussions regarding solutions, as some concerns have arisen. The Nagas need to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by the Rengmas, who have played a significant role, including hosting the first Nagaland flag in Rengma territory. Following the flag hoisting, the Indian Army initiated efforts to locate Phizo. The Rengmas, demonstrated great bravery and dedication, risked their lives to protect Phizo, exemplified by the existence of Phizo Cave in Rengma areas. The Rengmas defended Phizo because of his strong friendship and loyalty. Rengma people protect him, guard him and lead him on his way to Sibsagar (Assam). All Nagas needs to understand the sacrifices and hardships endured by the Rengmas, acknowledging their contributions and roots in our shared history.
Separation of Rengmas
Pochury are also known as eastern Rengma their main inhabitant comprise of Pochury, Chakhesang and Myanmar. Original Pochury villages are Meluri, Sonwhimi and Liphori etc.
