Imphal: Heightened security measures are in effect in Manipur’s Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts as the annual Meitei pilgrimage to the revered Thangjing foothills approaches. A significant number of Meiteis have gathered in Moirang, a town in Bishnupur, in preparation for their journey to the sacred site.
However, this year’s pilgrimage is fraught with tension as members of the Kuki-Zo community have strongly urged the Meiteis to abstain from undertaking the traditional journey. The Thangjing Hill holds immense religious significance for the Meitei community, who have historically made the pilgrimage in the month of April.
In anticipation of potential disruptions, security forces have increased their presence in the sensitive areas of Kwakta and Phougakchai Ikhai within the Bishnupur district. These locations lie along the anticipated pilgrimage route to Thangjing, making them crucial for maintaining order.
Over the weekend, the Thangjing temple in Bishnupur witnessed a large congregation of Meitei pilgrims from the Imphal Valley offering prayers. Many of these pilgrims then proceeded to camp overnight in Moirang and its surrounding areas, signifying their intent to proceed with the pilgrimage in the coming days.
Simultaneously, hundreds of individuals from the Kuki-Zo community congregated at Thangjing Hill, situated in the Churachandpur district. They staged demonstrations on Sunday, explicitly aiming to prevent the Meitei pilgrims from accessing what they also consider a significant site.
Reports indicate that the Kuki-Zo agitators arrived at the hill in numerous vehicles, organizing a sit-in protest to voice their opposition. They have issued a strong statement asserting that any attempt to cross the buffer zone separating the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley and the Kuki-majority hill districts will be viewed as a direct challenge. Furthermore, they stated that those who attempt to cross will bear sole responsibility for any ensuing untoward incidents.
Prior to this, several Kuki-Zo civil society organizations issued a clear “warning” to the Meitei community on Saturday, cautioning them against ascending Thangjing Hill and declaring that any such attempt would be met with strong resistance. At least six Kuki organizations have formally protested the entry of Meitei pilgrims into the Thangjing hills.
In response to these developments, the Meitei Heritage Society released a statement emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the constitutional rights of all citizens. The society asserted that “threatening Meiteis to skip the pilgrimage to Thangjing hills is unconstitutional and is a blatant violation of freedom of free movement and right to religious practices.” The situation remains delicate, with security forces on high alert to manage potential confrontations and ensure the safety of all involved.
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