Lamka – City of Hope
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Rise. Transform. Prosper.
It was during those early months of 2024, while engaging in relief efforts, that the idea of Lamka – City of Hope took root. Walking through the makeshift camps, listening to stories of loss and resilience, meeting children whose lives had been upended, I realized this was not merely a humanitarian crisis. It was a call to action—a moment for us to rise, rebuild, and reclaim our future with dignity and purpose. What began as an urgent response to suffering has now evolved into a vision of transformation. In November, we registered this mission as a non-profit organization, dedicated to creating a city where hope is not a distant dream, but a living, breathing reality for every resident.
Our Mission is clear - To rise, transform and prosper, to create a clean, green, and developed City of Hope, where opportunities flourish, driving economic growth, improving living standards, and enhancing the overall quality of life. We collectively purse a community living in peace and prosperity, united by a shared hope for a brighter and sustainable future. And our Vision To transform and empower Lamka into a vibrant, inclusive community and a sustainable City of Hope, where every resident thrives in a clean, healthy, and prosperous environment. We are committed to innovative solutions, robust economic growth, active community engagement, and collaborative governance — converging to create a beacon of hope, opportunity, and well-being for all.
This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to every mother caring for her children in relief camps, every youth who dreams of a better tomorrow, every elder who carries the wisdom of our ancestors, and every partner, volunteer, and well-wisher who believes in the power of community.
I extend my deepest thanks to all of you—for your faith, your support, and your relentless spirit. Together, we are not merely surviving; we are shaping a future where Lamka shines as a beacon of hope, not just for ourselves, but for all who seek dignity, justice, and peace.
The road ahead is long, but I am confident that with our collective resolve, we will continue to rise. Let us keep building. Let us keep believing. Let us keep hope alive.
With heartfelt gratitude and unwavering hope,
Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing
Founder & President
Lamka – City of Hope
For generations, Lamka — “The Crossroads” — has stood as a beacon of hope and sanctuary, the ancestral home of the kindred tribes of Gangte, Hmar, Mizo, Paite, Simte, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zou, and others. Yet its significance extends far beyond geography or community. For the descendants of our revered progenitor, Zo, Lamka holds profound spiritual and cultural meaning. It is often called the Jerusalem of the Kuki-Zo people in India — a sacred place where identity, heritage, and hope converge.
This sacred bond between people and place was tested anew in the wake of the devastating ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023. The campaign of violence and displacement that swept through the Imphal Valley forced thousands of Kuki-Zo families to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the hills. Lamka once again became a haven of safety and compassion, sheltering over 30,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in temporary relief centers. Amid this tragedy, the city rediscovered its timeless calling — to be a City of Hope.
It was during this period of trial that the idea of formally establishing Lamka – City of Hope was born. In early 2024, amidst the humanitarian response and relief efforts, the vision began to take shape. The founder and President, Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, who had been deeply involved in relief and rehabilitation work, witnessed firsthand the extraordinary resilience of his people — men, women, and children who had lost everything, yet clung tenaciously to their dignity and their hope. The gathering of these displaced families and individuals in Lamka became a defining moment of collective awakening and self-realization.
From the suffering of many arose a collective awakening — a realization that Lamka was not only a place of refuge but also the heart of renewal and rebirth. This conviction inspired the formal foundation ofLamka – City of Hope on March 3, 2024, symbolizing not just the creation of an organization, but the beginning of a movement — a determination to rise from the ashes of adversity and transform Lamka into a thriving, self-reliant, prosperous and compassionate city that stands as a beacon for generations to come.
In November 2024, the Foundation was officially registered as a non-profit organization under Section 7(1) of the Manipur Societies Registration Act, 1989 (Act No.1 of 1990), Registration No. 74 of 2024-CCP dated 8th November 2024. This formalization marked the transition from vision to institution — guided by a clear mission and an unwavering sense of purpose.
At the heart of Lamka – City of Hope lies a clear and compelling vision — to transform and empower Lamka into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable City of Hope where every resident can truly thrive. We envision a city that breathes with life and purpose — clean, healthy, and prosperous — built upon the pillars of innovation, economic vitality, active community participation, and collaborative governance. It is our aspiration that Lamka will stand as a beacon of opportunity, well-being, and shared humanity for all.
Our mission flows from this vision — to rise, transform, and prosper by nurturing a city that is clean, green, and healthy; a city where opportunities flourish, economic growth is fostered, and living standards are elevated for every citizen. We are driven by the belief that through unity and shared hope, we can build a peaceful and resilient community inspired by the collective pursuit of a brighter, sustainable future.
Thus, Lamka – City of Hope is more than an organization; it is a movement, a collective journey to reclaim our rightful place, to rebuild with dignity, and to inspire the generations to come. The story of Lamka – City of Hope is not just an institutional milestone — it is the living testament of a people who refused to be broken, even in the face of unimaginable trials.
In the aftermath of the 2023 ethnic conflict, when thousands of our Kuki-Zo brothers and sisters were violently uprooted from their adopted homes in Imphal Valley, Lamka stood firm as a beacon of refuge and sanctuary amid chaos. Our hills embraced the displaced; our community shared its strength. The suffering was deep, yet from within that pain arose something greater — the unshakable and unyielding spirit of hope.
During those difficult months, as we moved among the relief camps — listening to stories of loss, courage, and resilience — I realized that this was more than a humanitarian emergency. It was a call to action. A call to rebuild, to heal, and to reimagine our future together. What began as a compassionate response to crisis has now become a movement of transformation.
With the formal registration of Lamka – City of Hope in November 2024, our mission took on new life. We are committed to building a clean, green, and thriving city, where peace, opportunity, and unity are not distant ideals but everyday realities.
This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to every mother nurturing her children in temporary shelters, every youth striving for a brighter tomorrow, every elder who carries the wisdom of our ancestors, and every friend, partner, and well-wisher who believes in the power of community.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you — for your faith, your resilience, and your shared spirit. Together, we are not merely enduring; we are transforming. Together, we are shaping a Lamka that shines as a beacon of dignity, justice, and peace — a true City of Hope for all.
The road ahead is long, but our purpose is clear. Let us keep building. Let us keep believing. Let us keep hope alive.
Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing
Founder & President
Lamka – City of Hope
