Commitee demands legal action against Kuki chief
Source: The Sangai Express
Moirang, February 18 2024:
Authorities concerned including the State Government have been urged to take legal action against a "self-style" Kuki village chief for claiming ownership of the sacred site of Thangjing.
Reportedly, the ownership of the sacred site was claimed by "Ukha Loikai village" chief Thengkhomang Haokip on February 16 .
The chief reportedly said he owns the site and nobody could interfere in the land under his jurisdiction.
Ridiculing the "absurd" claim, the Thangjing Seva Mandal and the Committee on Protection and Preservation of the Historical Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges said legal action should be taken against the "self-style" chief for disrespecting the holy site of Thangjing.
"While the documented history on Thangjing dates back to the era before Christ (BC), some groups who entered Manipur in 1873 claiming ownership of the land is very unfortunate," said Y Shyam Khuman, secretary, Committee on Protection and Preservation of the Historical Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges during a press meet at Ibudhou Thangjing Laikon at Moirang.
He said the history of Thangjing dates back to centuries and the sacred texts of Puya, verified by the National Archives in New Delhi, clearly describes the abode of the Ibudhou Thangjing on the Thangjing hill range.
"Many folklore including the Moirang Kangleirol has stories on the relations between the Moirang Ningthou (king) and the sacred Thangjing range.
The Meitheis, written by TC Hudson mentions that Moirang was created by Thangjing," he said.
While the claim being made is absurd, it cannot be overlooked.
Legal action must be taken against the "chief" for making false claims and desecrating Thangjing, said Shyam.