Rengma Heritage Village ‘Khwenphen’ was officially inaugurated on April 12 with Er Tesinlo Semy, President Rengma Hoho as Guest of Honor.
The concept of the heritage village was initiated by the Kasha Lorin Village Union, with the aim to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Rengma people and foster unity and brotherhood within the community. The proposal was later approved by the Rengma Hoho during its executive meeting.
Khwenphen holds special historical significance as it is considered the first established Rengma village. Located about 10 kilometers from the district headquarters of Tseminyu, near Kashanyu village, Khwenphen’s name is derived from the abundance of wild bananas, locally called ‘Tekhwen’ (or simply ‘Khwen’). The early settlers cleared the wild banana vegetation and established the village, naming it ‘Khwenphen,’ which translates to ‘village of wild banana.’
It is said that several leaders, including Kasha, Kito, Tsopoe, Tsemi, Senden, and Thongsü, once lived together at Khwenphen. The village was home to various clans, including Tepenyu (Tep), Semvünyenyu (Semy), Khingjonyu (Khing), Sebunyu (Seb), Sempfünyu (Semp), Thongsünyu (Thong), and Nyenthonyu. At one point, almost all the Rengmas, along with some Lothas and Semas, lived together at Khwenphen before dispersing to different directions to establish their own villages.
“From Khwenphen, Senden and Thongsü went towards the west and established Sendenyu and Thongsu village,” the historical account shared. “Tsemi led his group and settled at Tseminyu village, Khasü and his group went to settle at Tsegwenyuphen (present-day NAP Camp, Tseminyu town) before moving further north to establish their villages. Tsopoe led his group to Akuk village in the Lotha area. Kasha, being the head of the village, was the last to leave Khwenphen and led his group, alongside Kito, to settle in the lower eastern part of Terogüthun, now called Lolaphenyu, which later became Phenwhenyu village.”
During the inauguration, the monolith stone was dedicated by Rev CH Wahi and unveiled by the Guest of Honor, Er Tesinlo Semy. Er Semy highlighted the importance of unity and respect within the community as key to progress. He urged the gathering to uphold the values of discipline, honesty, and integrity that were passed down by their forefathers.
The program also witnessed participation and speeches from different Rengma frontal organization such as RMA, RSZ, Rengma GB forum and Rengma Chairman forum.