LAI KHUTSHANGBI

A Short Folk Story Of A

Witch With Long Pointed Hand

Once upon a time there lived in the hills of Manipur a mysterious and terrible witch named Lai Khutshangbi or the Long-Handed Witch and legends whispered of her terrifying presence, hiding in the forest in the shadows of the density bordering a small, unsuspecting village.

It was said that Lai Khutshangbi had long pointed arms, stretched out impossibly far, and could literally reach the heart of houses and catch innocent people Fearing his evil eye, villagers stayed under guard their children with great care.

In that village lived a happy little family consisting of mother and father and their precious daughter Sachi. Their days were full of laughter and love, but lurking in the shadows was the dreaded Lai Khutshangbi, a witch famous for her evil deeds. One day when Sachi father was away for work, leaving his wife and daughter Sachi alone at home, Lai Khutshangbi took the opportunity to weave his evil wings.

That night Lai Khutshangbi with a voice as cold as the night wind called out to Sachi mother

“Sachima SachimaSachipa Leibra ?”. (Asking if Sachi’s father is home).

When the Sachi mother heard the terrifying sounds that were dangerous to the senses, Sachi mother discreetly said in a good voice

“Yes, Sachi’s father is sleeping here, who are you?”.

After, heard the reply of child mother the Lai Khutshangbi went without hope on that day.

For two consecutive nights Lai Khutshangbi questioned her again, and she returned with the same answer from the mother of Sachi. But, when Sachi’s father returned, Sachi mother boldly shared all the struggles, which inspired Sachi father to devise a clever plan for witchcraft. That night, darkness shrouded the village and Lai Khutshangbi reappeared at their doorstep, her presence sending shivers down their spines but this time with Sachi father armed with a sharp knife hidden by the window which the witch’s hand would surely find waited. As Lai Khutshangbi puts it with her usual question:

“Sachima Sachima Sachipa Leibra ?”

Sachima follows their plan and slyly replies:

“Who are you? Sachi’s father was not at home, he went out for work”.

While hearing the reply from the child mother with a cruel flash in her eyes, Lai Khutshangbi extended her long, pointed arm through the window, intent on seizing the innocent child. But the father, quick and determined, cut off the witch’s arm with one devastating blow and stabbed her with his knife. Lai Khutshangbi gave a terrible cry of pain. In a desperate bid for revenge, the Witch tried to flee to the safety of the mountains, but Sachi’s father pursued her relentlessly.

Fiercely determined to protect his family and his village from further harm, he held the knife firmly in his hand and running behind the witch and gave her another sharp blow with his knife cutting the witch’s remaining arms away from her twisting body. The witch let out a scream of pain, her evil intentions halted by the quick judgment of the scribal blade. Undeterred by the witch’s screams, the Sachi’s father continued after her, his steps quickening as he lodged in the fleeing figure. With a primal roar that echoed throughout the night, he lifted a heavy stone high above his head, his aim sure as he unleashed the full force of his anger on the witch. The stone swung through the air with deadly precision, its course guided by the full fury of a father defending his people. With a sickening roar, it struck the witch’s scalp horribly, shattering her bones and ending her dark reign once and for all.

And so, the Sachi family emerged victorious, their bond strengthened by their courage and cunning in the face of evil. Although the memories of Lai Khutshangbi’s violence lingered, they found comfort in knowing that their love and courage had triumphed, giving their family and village peace and security for many years.

Because every tale contains a message of lessons, courage, resilience and the enduring power of love. And as night falls to dawn, the village wakes up for another day, ready to face any possible adventure, safe in the knowledge that the wisdom of their favorite folklore has been handed down over the years to guide them on them the journey through life.