Guwahati, Assam – The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation has issued a strong condemnation of a recent joint statement made by six Kuki civil society organisations. The foundation labelled their warning against Meitei pilgrims visiting the sacred Thangjing Hill as “unconstitutional” and drew a parallel to preventing Hindus from visiting Kailash Parbat or Muslims from Mecca.
The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation asserted the historical and religious significance of the annual pilgrimage to Ibudhou Thangjing for the Meitei community, emphasizing that this centuries-old practice should not face any obstruction. Their statement comes in direct response to escalating tensions in Manipur.
These tensions arose after the six Kuki civil society groups jointly released a statement on April 9, 2025, cautioning the Meitei community against crossing the established buffer zone near Thangjing Hill for their yearly pilgrimage. The Kuki organisations stated that until a political resolution is achieved under the Indian Constitution for the Kuki-Zo people, any attempt by Meiteis to undertake the pilgrimage would be viewed as a direct act of provocation, with any resulting consequences being the sole responsibility of the pilgrims.
In their rebuttal, the Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation vehemently rejected what they described as a threat. The foundation stated, “This is a blatant attempt to deny Meiteis their fundamental rights to religious practice and freedom of movement.” They further elaborated on the deep-rooted cultural significance of the pilgrimage, stating, “The annual pilgrimage to Thangjing Ching, home to the revered deity Ibudhou Thangjing, has been a part of Meitei culture since ancient times.”
The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation also leveled accusations against Kuki groups, alleging past provocative actions such as the desecration of the Thangjing shrine, the erection of a Christian cross at the site, and a purported attempt to rename the hill. The foundation claimed that these actions were deliberately intended to incite violence and undermine peace initiatives led by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation has called upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action on the matter. They warned that any further delay in addressing the situation would only embolden extremist elements and further exacerbate the existing communal divide.
As both the Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation and the Kuki civil society organisations maintain their respective stances, the atmosphere surrounding Thangjing Hill remains highly charged. Urgent appeals for restraint and the initiation of peaceful dialogue are increasingly being made to de-escalate the situation.
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