(Left) Male and (right) Female ‘Khensa Kaketshir Telungjem Maitsü Azük’ (Identity Necklace).
Khensa, August 11 (MExN): In a bid to safeguard the cultural heritage and traditions, including language and attire, the Khensa Students’ Union (KSU) has launched the “Khensa Kaketshir Telungjem Maitsü Azük” (Identity/distinct Necklace).
The initiative, aimed at promoting cultural identity, was approved during the KSU General Meeting on December 22, 2024, and has now been brought to fruition. The decision to design an ‘Identity Necklace’ for the union was resolved earlier, and “it has come to reality now,” said KSU President Temsuakum Longchar and General Secretary Tiapongla Kichu in a press release.
The necklace symbolises the rich traditions of the Khensa community and is expected to strengthen cultural pride among the youth.
The union further shared the details on the significance of the necklaces.
In the female ‘Identity Necklace’, the seven carnelian red beads signify seven major clans of Khensa village. Küptang (2 pieces) signifies the spirit of unity and oneness. The seven Chubakap represents the seven major clans in Khensa village, and the Carnelian red beads between Chubakap represent the three khels of Khensa village.
In the male ‘Identity Necklace’, the seven Shishirikbi represents seven major clans in Khensa village. The three black beads each signify the three khels in Khensa village. Küptang (2 pieces) signifies the spirit of unity and oneness.
In both the female and male ‘Identity Necklace’, the Küptang is an essential component in the necklace, joining and binding the beads to make the necklace beautiful and complete. Likewise, it symbolises the youth of Khensa coming together and living in unity despite differences.
The union has announced stringent regulations governing the use of its newly introduced “Khensa Kaketshir Telungjem Maitsü Azük” (Identity Necklace), restricting its wear to bonafide members of KSU only.
According to the union’s terms and conditions, the necklace may only be worn by registered KSU members during various “gatherings” as a mark of identification within the Khensa community. The KSU holds exclusive copyright over the design, prohibiting any individual or group from copying, reproducing or modifying it.
Additionally, the union explicitly barred transferring the necklace as gift to non-Khensa citizens. Describing it as a “significant and sacred symbol,” the KSU emphasised the necklace must be treated with utmost respect and treasured.
It cautioned that “any misuse of the necklace, or any net that brings harm or dishonour to its significance, will invite disciplinary action by the KSU as deemed appropriate.”
To prevent counterfeiting, each necklace will feature an engraved serial number with records maintained “to ensure traceability and prevent duplication by other individuals or groups.” The union also informed that the “necklace will be sold exclusively through the KSU office.”
The guidelines were issued in “good faith” to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Khensa community, the union stated in its press release. The necklace was unveiled on August 2, 2025 and it available on order through the KSU office.
