COPPK states stand on Mt Koubru
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 27 2021: Ruffled by the alleged hate speeches, false allegations and provocations by some vested groups of society from the valley, the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mt Koubru has made its objectives and stand clear.

Briefing media persons at Kangpokpi town this afternoon, Dr Lamtinthang Haokip, general secretary, COPPK said that the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mt Koubru stands for the fact that mother nature should not be provoked rather concerted efforts and sincere attempts should be made to restore Mt Koubru to its past glory, originality and essence.

He recalled that COPPK was formed in the presence of the then Minister Nemcha Kipgen along with other department officials concerned with the sole objective and purpose to check further rampant destruction of the flora and fauna and deforestation of Mt Koubru range by the locals.

Dr Haokip continued that the Committee is also committed to spearhead the movement but efforts should also be made to educate the local populace about the relevance of balancing the ecosystem and biodiversity.

Accordingly, thousands of tree saplings provided by the department concerned were planted by volunteers of COPPK on June 24, 2019 while spreading awareness on streets and villages in surrounding areas of Mt Koubru.

Many other organisations including Saitu Gamphazol Area Youth Organization, Tujang Area Youth Organization, Leikot Area Youth Organization, etc.

under the aegis of COPPK had also embarked on various green activities including tree plantation in Mt Koubru range, he added.

He also said that since time immemorial the local populace and a good number of youths now serving in various Government Departments who were brought up with the resources of Mt Koubru have decided to give back their capacity to Mt Koubru in the form of restoring it to its past glory, originality and essence.

It is very unfortunate that some vested groups with its sinister approach continuously attempt to divert the sincere commitment of the local populace and the honest objective of COPPK into a devastating communal line, he added.

The committee urged the State Government to look into such unlawful manners of such vested organizations like Federation of Haomee, UKAL, KKL, etc.

by taking lawful action.

Dr Lamtinthang Haokip appealed the netizens of Manipur and Chief Minister N Biren Singh to find the clear objectives and commitments of the local populace as well as the COPPK and lend a helping hand to accomplish the mission and objective of restoring the past glory, originality and essence of Mt Koubru before its too late.

COPPK also said that it is compelled to ask the motive of trekking to Mt Koubru by hundreds of pilgrims on a daily basis at this current critical juncture.

Dr Haokip pointed out that all the trekkers since April 21 are more for sports, fun, adventure, entertainment, picnic, etc.

and what is more disturbing is the provocative nature and behaviour of the adventurers, war-cry like or oath of allegiance to particular faith, religion or community, reckless driving in and around the entry points, littering of waste materials at all rest points, etc.

COPPK also wondered as to why the police personnel of Kangpokpi were still stationed at Mt Koubru stating that it is in total disregard to the unanimous 'Gentleman's Agreement' on April 14 at Saitu village between the committee, SAHILCA, CSOs Kangpokpi and the Government represented by two ADGPs, IG, SP Kangpokpi.

The committee also said that district administration Kangpokpi should not ignore the high possibilities of Covid surge within the district due to intentional violation of SOPs by the adventurers of Mt Koubru.

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