Manipur: Protests Erupt from Kuki Tribes Against Meitei Pilgrimage
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Synopsis
On April 13, protests erupted in Imphal as hundreds from the Kuki-Zo community demonstrated against the Meitei community's annual pilgrimage to Thangjing hill, a site they hold sacred. The Kuki community demands a political solution before any Meitei entry into their territory.
Key Takeaways
- Kuki-Zo community protests against Meitei pilgrimage
- Demonstrations at Thangjing hill range
- Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) announced rituals
- Indigenous Tribals’ Leaders Forum (ITLF) led protests
- Political resolution demanded for Kuki-Zo-Hmar community
Imphal, April 13 (NationPress) Hundreds of individuals from the Kuki-Zo community commenced demonstrations on Sunday in the vicinity of the foothills of the Thangjing hill range opposing the Meitei community's annual pilgrimage to this revered hilltop in Manipur.
The protests were ignited after the Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) declared intentions to perform rituals on the summit of Thangjing hill, situated in the Kuki-Zo-Hmar populated district of Churachandpur.
The Indigenous Tribals’ Leaders Forum (ITLF), a prominent tribal organization, spearheaded the protest at Pholjang village, located at the foothills, alongside Kuki women, children, and various civil society groups, including the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO).
Previously, the Kuki community had issued warnings against any unauthorized entry into their territories without a substantial political resolution.
The Meitei community perceives the Thangjing or Thangting Hills pilgrimage as a crucial element of their cultural and religious identity.
This mountain range, extending from north to south, forms part of the western boundary of the Imphal Valley. However, the Kuki community views the annual pilgrimage by valley residents as a potential menace and has firmly stated it will not be permitted to continue without a political resolution.
The atmosphere remains charged, with both factions steadfast in their stances.
In a joint statement, Kuki tribal organizations expressed concerns that members of the Meitei community intend to breach the buffer zone for Ching Kaba at the Thangting or Thangjing Hills.
“Unless a political settlement is achieved by the government of India for the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community under the Constitution of India, no such amicable approach to the jurisdiction of Kuki-Zo-Hmar territory will be allowed for the Meitei community,” they asserted.
The organizations emphasized that to prevent further conflict, both communities need to uphold the status quo and respect the buffer zone.
“Any attempt to breach the buffer zone will be met with fierce opposition from the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community,” the statement cautioned, urging the government to implement measures that protect the interests of both communities.
