Assam Rifles on 28 June 2024 organised the first edition of TACE-2024 (Thangkul Arts and Craft Exhibition) in association with Ministry of Tribal Affairs at Shangshak village in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
The event is being organised as a part of the tribal artists’ empanelment drive conducted by TRIFED (Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India) with an aim to identify, register and promote tribal artists by highlighting their cultural heritage and thus providing them with a platform to showcase their artistic skills. This intiative will also ensure that the tribal artisans get due recognition and fair renumeration for their tribal artefacts as the event is being organised with direct coordination from Ministry of Tribal Affairs and there are no middlemen involved in the trade of these tribal artefacts.
A total of 28 tribal artisans, representatives from Shangshak village council, representatives from Ministry of Tribal Affairs participated in the event. Huge gathering of people including children had turned up to witness the Tribal Arts and Craft Exhibition.
Various tribal artefacts like Haora shawls, Varao Kazei (spears), Khairei (swords), Kuisikhai (knives), Ngalasop (baskets), Mayo Pasi (Headgears), Beadworks, Handbags, Black pottery items, embroidery items, hand made scarfs and Bamboo artefacts were displayed by the tribal artisans during the exhibition. The representatives from carried out Registration of the tribal artisans was for subsequent coordination was carrief out by Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The empanelled artists will continue to get monetary benefits from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The tribal artisans expressed their heartfelt appreciation towards Assam Rifles for orgainsing such a meaningful and relevant activity for them.