Lamkang language

'LAMKANG is one of the oldest nineteen Naga tribes living in Manipur. They are mainly concentrated in the southern part of Manipur in the District of Chandel.According to 2001 census, the population of Lamkang in Manipur was 4524. They are recognized as a scheduled tribe by the government of India since 1951. They speak Lamkang Dialect which is belongs to Tibeto-Burman group of language while communicating within the tribe; and other languages such as Manipuri, Nagamese, English and Hindi to interact with people outside their tribe.They can be easily recognised from other Naga tribes or for that matter any other tribes in Manipur by looking externally at their traditional culture attires. Lamkang tribes have been living in their present homeland since the turn of first century A.D when Poireiton migrated to Manipur as was recorded in Poireiton Khunthokpa (1967). They were also briefly mentioned in the Manipuri kings chronicles "Cheitharon Kumbaba" as "Hiroi Lamkang". Though they were mentioned just briefly in both the instances, yet this account clearly points to the fact that they were one of the oldest tribes of Manipur.

Geographical distribution
Lamkang is spoken in the following locations (Ethnologue).

Thamlakhuren, Lamrinkhuw, Aibuldam, Damjol, Thamlapokpi ( Damloonkhuupii), Leipungtampak( RIndamkhuu), Laiktla, Ksen Khuupii, Lamkang Khunthak, New Lamkang Khunthak, Sektaikarong, Lamkang Khunou (Wangjangloon), Mantri Pantha, Ringkhuu, P.RaalRingkhuu, Angkhel Chayang, Deeringkhuu, Daampii, Khuutii, Charancghing Khunkha, Chanrangching khunou,
 * Chandel district, southwestern and southeastern Manipur
 * 7 villages to the west and east of Sugunu, Keithelmanbi, New Chayang, Purum Pantha, Leingangching, Nungkangching, Komsen, Kurnuching,
 * 7 villages between Chalong and Mombi New, Kongpe, Angbrasu, Challong, Paraolon, Lungkharlown, M.Seljol, Khuutun,
 * c. 20 villages between Pallel, Chandel town
 * Nagaland: Kohima and Dimapur-Lamkang Colony