Shah urged to protect Thangjing pilgrims
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 16 2025: Meitei Heritage Society has submitted a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for immediate intervention to ensure the safety of Meetei pilgrims at Thangjing Hill.

The Society also proposed protection of the Meetei pilgrims, strict action against Chin-Kuki militant groups obstructing their annual religious journey, and deployment of adequate security around the sacred site.

In the representation submitted on Tuesday, the society expressed deep concern over what it described as an "unconstitutional blockade and threats" issued by Chin-Kuki militants and civil society organisations against Meetei pilgrims.

It said the threats - including public death threats and video footage of armed militants stationed at the hilltop-have created a climate of fear, disrupting the community's long-standing tradition of worship at Thangjing Hill.

Thangjing Hill, the society noted, is a sacred site of immense religious and cultural importance for the Meetei community, where annual pilgrimages have been carried out since time immemorial to worship Ibudhou Thangjing, the guardian deity of the South.

The group likened the 'obstruction to barring Hindus from visiting Kailash Parbat or Muslims from traveling to Mecca.

Calling the threats a "targeted campaign to deny religious freedom", the society said the blockade violates several constitutional provisions, including Articles 25(1), 19(1) (d), and 21 of the Constitution of India.

It also said the latest actions threaten to "destabilise the fragile peace in the state".

The representation criticised the lack of enforcement despite the imposition of President's Rule in the state and the deployment of over one lakh security personnel.

It pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs had already issued a directive on March 1, 2025, mandating the free movement of people across the state starting March 8 and warning of strict action against any obstruction.

The group also noted that for the past two years, Meetei Hindus have been unable to access religious sites like Nabadweep and Vrindaban or conduct ash immersion rituals at Haridwar due to ongoing highway blockade by Chin-Kuki groups, adding that those who cannot afford air travel have been particularly affected.

Stating that the matter is not merely a law-and-order issue but a deliberate provocation, the Meitei Heritage Society said the government's response would be a test of its resolve to uphold the Constitution and Rule of Law.

It urged Amit Shah to take timely and firm action to preserve peace and restore faith in the democratic fabric of the nation.

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