Home > Society > Tribes of India > Semang Fachong Council
Semang Fachong Council
Semang Fachong Council is the group of people who assist the Upa and Naopa in running the administration of the village. Their job is very similar to that of modern day council of ministers which assists the chief to deliver his duties towards the village community.

Share this Article:

Semang Fachong Council, Kuki TribeSemang Fachong Council is the third important body of village administration which is found in the villages of Manipur. They assist the office of Chieftain in running the grass root administration. This body is primarily responsible for the day to day administration of the village. It is composed of the persons who are selected by the Haosa or the office of the Chief and who possess the qualities of wisdom, integrity, knowledge of customary law etc. Semang Fachong Council also includes the representatives from the lower and poor section of minority who live in the village who can continue in the office till the chief wishes. The council administers on all the social, political, economic and judicial matters that come to the office of the chief.

Semang Fachong Council mainly functions by interpreting the customary laws. In every council meeting the Hoasa is the head of the council presides over the meeting while the members of the council present the issues of the day. While every villager is supposed to pay tribute to the hoasa for the services it renders, the council of ministers are exempted from this. The Semang Fachong Council within the Kuki tribes a number of members where the council is headed by the chief or Upa it is assisted by the Lhangsam Pa who is the spokesman of the council. It further includes the Thiempu or the Priest of the village who is the next senior and respectable member of the community, Thih-Kheng (Black-Smith) Pa who is vital in providing infrastructure, Lawm (Village Labour Corps) which represent the informal organisations that run through length and breath of the village. Among these the spokesman who is also considered as the secretary of the council plays a significant role. He is in charge of collecting information and broadcasting it. He is further responsible for convening the meetings, conveys the decision of the council in public and enforces and implements the decision of the council. Though the task given to him is not specified, he may be asked to act for number of roles which may vary from emissary, negotiator, mediator, depending upon the personal talent of the spokesman. All these organisations which form the components of the council together contribute to the village administration.

Semang Fachong Council along with the spokes man includes other member like the priest of the village who possesses complete knowledge regarding the social customs and rituals as well as regarding the administration of medicines; the blacksmith who provides the knowledge to manufacture such products that are essential for livelihood and security. The unique Lawm system of Kuki tribes largely represents the community participation of the tribe which involves every person from every generation.

Thus contribution of Semang Fachong Council is one of the most valuable wings of Kuki village administration which provides for the most transparent administration at the village level.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Tribes of India


Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh
Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh form the major part of demography of the state. It is inhabited by almost 20 tribal groups. Some of the dominant tribes of the state are Adis, Apatanis, Aka, Miji, Singphos, Mishmis, Monpas, Nyishi and others.
Tribes of Uttar Pradesh
Tribes of Uttar Pradesh form an integral part and live with a distinct culture of their own.
Tribes of Manipur
Tribes of Manipur, who have largely migrated from nearby areas of Assam and Meghalaya, exhibit a unique socio-political complexion of the region.
Tribes of Mizoram
Tribes of Mizoram inhabit the major part of Mizoram. Tribes of Mizoram with their diverse festivity and heritage echo the true color of Mizoram.
Tribes of West Bengal
Tribes of West Bengal, with their unique culture, religion, costumes and tradition have enriched the culture and tradition of the state of West Bengal.
Tribes of Bihar
Though a large part of tribal population has come under the state of Jharkhand, Bihar still boosts of most socially advanced and culturally rich tribes.
Tribes of Odisha
Tribes of Odisha form a major portion of the total population of the state. Their unique culture and lifestyle have greatly contributed in the vibrancy and diversity of the state’s cultural heritage.
Tribes of Kerala
Tribes of Kerala inhabits in the forests and hilly regions of the state. There are more than 30 tribal communities in Kerala.
Tribes of Madhya Pradesh
Tribes of Madhya Pradesh represent the culture of their state. The Jhabua district has the highest density of tribal population.
Tribes of Himachal Pradesh
Tribes of Himachal Pradesh make their identity with their culture, costumes and tradition and religion they follow.
Tribes of Tripura
Tribes of Tripura are largely located in the mountainous areas of Tripura who represent themselves through their culture and traditions. These tribes vary from region to region.
Tribes of Rajasthan
Tribes of Rajasthan are said to be the original inhabitants of Rajasthan. They comprises of about 12 percent of the total population of the state.
Tribes of Meghalaya
Tribes of Meghalaya mainly include the tribal groups of Garo, Khasi and Jaintias as well as certain other small tribal groups.
Tribes of Maharashtra
Various kinds of tribal groups of Maharashtra with their culture, costume, tradition echoes the colour of the state.
Tribes of Andhra Pradesh
Tribes of Andhra Pradesh have enriched the ethnicity of the state with their typical tribal culture and tradition.
Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir
Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir have established themselves with the outstanding level of masterwork and diversification.
Tribes of Karnataka
Tribes of Karnataka flaunt ample exquisite clothes, festivals, festivities, dance and theatres in their lives.