IMPHAL, May 22: Bringing utter disbelief to residents of Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi as also people from all over the state, the legendary Heinoukhongnembi tree which is believed to have preceded the Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (1919-1926), suddenly fell to the ground without any prior perceivable signs.
As usual, people from the locality were sitting under the aged-old mango tree when water drops began dripping from the top. Assuming that it was a drizzle, they dispersed heading for their own homes.
Not much later, the roots of the grand tree started detaching from the soil, slowing leaning downward and finally plummeting to the ground.
Heinoukhongnembi, as it is widely known, is a huge tree by any standard with a diameter of around 20 feet and a height estimated over 100 feet.
The mango tree was growing in the campus of Sapam Kullachandra of Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi.
Inquisitive locals who inspected the tree after it fell to the ground discovered large hollow compartments inside the trunk.
According to elders of the locality, there has never been an occasion when any person was hurt as a result of branches of the tree falling down. However, in the aftermath of the uprooting of the tree, people from near and far off places flocked to the place to offer their prayers believing it as an ominous sign.
A certain belief does exist that the falling of the tree is a portentous sign that heads of the state will be displaced and misfortune will strike on top ranking administrators. Perhaps, drawn by that particular fear many people arrived there to pay their obeisance, lighting candles and incense sticks.
One unique feature of Heinoukhongnembi is that each year the fruits do not spring all over the tree but alternately on the front, rear, north and southern sides.
Misrepresentation of facts… one should avoid. The world is reading..
Do check the year. It should be 1819-26.