Sacrilege : Erecting Cross atop Mt Thangjing
Penalise ZRA, ITLF : TSMM
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, February 04 2024: Taking strong exception to the installation of a cross atop Thangjing Hills and desecration of the sacred site of Ibudhou Thangjing (a deity), the Thangjing Seva Mandal Moirang (TSMM) has urged the Centre and Government of Manipur to arrest and penalise every person found guilty of blasphemy before the end of this month.

According to Waari Singbul Network, the cross was erected on January 25 under the watch of well-armed cadres from ZRA.

Speaking to the media at Ibudhou Thangjing complex at Moirang, TSSM secretary K Shitoljit said that it was the functionaries of the Kuki organisation Indigenous Tribal Leader's Forum (ITLF), cadres of Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and some of their associates who dishonoured the site sacred to the Meiteis.

Sacrilege : Erecting Cross atop Mt Thangjing

Saying that the site of Ibudhou Thangjing was designated by the Government as sacred in 2022 considering its close association with Moirang Kangleirol, he added that they are displeased over the utter disrespect of the religious site again and again by the Kuki miscreants.

He cautioned that they will launch a strong agitation if every person involved in the incident is not arrested by the end of this month.

Saying that the Kuki miscreants had also erected a cross and a ZRA flag atop Thangjing Hill in September 2023 too but the same were removed following a strong protest, Shitoljit said that Kukis installing the giant cross at the site again is obviously to hurt the religious sentiment of the Meiteis.

Stating that the Centre and the State Government shouldn't remain silent, Shitaljit urged all the relevant authorities to take the act of sacrilege very seriously and do the needful.

It may be mentioned that the Supreme Court had on September 25, 2023 asked the State Government to identify all religious buildings, structures and sites and protect them from damage and encroachment by anyone.