KINGKRES MONUMENT: A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE

Kingkres monument | Sialsuk 

 - Dr. Lalzarzoa 

Kingkres, a significant landmark in Sialsuk village, is a monument constructed by the Thiangzau, a Christian sectarian group. Located at Vaiveng intersection street, it is easily visible and holds great historical importance.

The Kingkres monument has a fascinating story behind its construction. During the Mizo National Front's (MNF) struggle for independence from India, Thiangzau leader Pa Kawlha had a prophecy.

In 1971, as East Pakistan fell to the Indian army and became Bangladesh (the then East Pakistan), the MNF's safe haven became vulnerable. Pa Kawlha urged his sectarian members to build a monument using Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) within seven days.

Pa Kawlha prophesied that completing the monument within the deadline would ensure the MNF armies' safe escape from Bangladesh (the then East Pakistan). He warned that if the monument was not completed within seven days, the MNF armies would not be able to leave their headquarters freely.

Thiangzau members worked tirelessly, day and night, to complete Kingkres within the stipulated timeframe. Concurrently, MNF armies in distant Bangladesh (the then East Pakistan) safely evacuated.

Due to limited communication systems in Mizoram at the time, Thiangzau members only confirmed the fulfillment of Pa Kawlha's prophecy later, when they met returning MNF soldiers.

The Kingkres monument stands approximately 10 feet high, boasting a distinctive triangular shape. It features:

- A cross with the inscription "Kingkres" written upside down

- A front-side message in Mizo: "Hnam lung, A hmangaihna leh lalna, Pa leh fapa leh thlarau thianghlim pumkhat"

- A right-side inscription in Mizo: "Hun 1,2,3,4,5,6,7" (Translation: Time - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)

-  PN. 4.7.1971 (Translation: Construction date: 4.7.1971)

Translated, the front-side message reads: "National Monument, His love and kingdom, United Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

Notably, the origin and meaning of "Kingkres" remain unclear. Some village elders believe it to be an example of Pa Kawlha's "speaking in tongues," a spiritual practice where individuals utter sounds or words under divine inspiration, beyond their natural language.

Thiangzau members consider Kingkres a national monument, deeply connected to Mizo Nationalism and the MNF's struggle under Pu Laldenga's leadership from 1966 to 1986.

Key Details:

- Location: Vaiveng locality, Sialsuk village, Mizoram

- Constructed by: Thiangzau, a Christian sectarian group

- Year: 1971

- Significance: Symbol of hope, resilience, and Mizo Nationalism

COLONIAL ERA DISPENSARY IN SIALSUK: A PLEA FOR PRESERVATION

- Dr. Lalzarzoa 

The historic six-bedded dispensary in Sialsuk village, Mizoram, established in 1920 during the British Colonial era, is crying out for attention. Despite being declared a protected heritage site by INTACH Mizoram chapter and the Art & Culture Department, Mizoram government, the dispensary, doctor's quarters, and compounder's quarters are in dire need of maintenance.

Neglect and Disrepair:

The irony lies in the fact that the two agencies responsible for preservation have failed to provide proper upkeep, and there are no maintenance funds available. Furthermore, the Health department, Government of Mizoram, has neglected to renovate or maintain these buildings, allowing their condition to worsen over time.

- Occupancy Issues : The doctor's quarters and old dispensary building are occupied by local families, while the compounder's quarters are used by construction workers who do not prioritize maintenance.

- Damage and Deterioration : The doctor's quarters kitchen was severely damaged by Cyclone Remal in May 2024 and was fully dismantled without renovation. The main building stands poorly and requires immediate maintenance.

- Lack of Attention : The stone fencing and urinal also need attention, and the compounder's quarters' stone fencing and kitchen were removed years ago.

Cultural Significance:

The locality area, "Babu veng," meaning "the area where doctors reside," reflects the deep connection these buildings have with public memories. Locals affectionately call doctors "Babu."

Current State of Disrepair:

- Doctor's Quarters : Kitchen removed after Cyclone Remal damage, main building poorly standing

- Compounder's Quarters : Stone fencing and kitchen removed years ago

- Main Dispensary Building : Under pathetic conditions due to lack of maintenance

Call to Action:

As the Health department, Government of Mizoram, owns these buildings, the village council and local NGOs are unable to intervene. Repeated appeals to the health department staff and higher authorities have yielded no response. If the state government fails to act, it may be better to hand over maintenance and protection responsibilities to the village council or NGOs.

Colonial era buildings, Sialsuk, Mizoram, India.

Note: The images displayed are old and do not reflect the current condition of the buildings, except for the recent Compounder's quarters image.