Bodies patch up on Thangjing spat
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 23 2022: Representatives of Committee on Protection and Preservation of Historical Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges (CPPKT) and Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Henglep block on Monday resolved the misunderstanding that cropped up between the two sides on the Thangjing hill issue.

Both sides also resolved to withdraw all the press releases made earlier in connection with Thangjing hill.

The meeting between the two sides held at the office chamber of DGP Peter Doungel on Monday morning was also attended by representatives of KSO Churachandpur block.

During the meeting, CPPKT was represented by convener Sapamacha Jadumani, co-convener Konsam Khelendro and secretary Y Shyam Khuman while the KSO side was represented by KSO Henglep block president John Haokip, KSO Churachandpur president HJ Haoneo and Lh Jamkhomang Khongsai of KSO general headquarters.

After clearing all the misunderstandings, both the sides made a joint appeal to the public to desist from making unnecessary comments on social media or any other platform on the issue in the interest of peace and harmony.

Addressing media persons after resolving the misunderstanding at the office of Federation of Haomee, Dewlaland, here, CPPKT convener Sapamcha Jadumani said that KSO Henglep issued a notice on May 5, stating that no individual, group or CSO from valley could take up any activity at Thangjing hill range where the sacred site of Ibudhou Thangjing is located and prior permission from village chief and local people must be taken for all purposes.

Accordingly, a public meeting was held on May 6 at Ibudhou Thangjing Laikol attended by representatives of Thangjing Seva Mandal and CSOs of Moirang wherein an appeal was made to KSO Henglep to withdraw the restriction.

As KSO Henglep did not withdraw the restriction, CPPKT convened another public meeting attended by leaders of various CSOs at Moirang Patlou Leikai community hall on May 14 and asked KSO Henglep to withdraw the restriction by May 20 or else no Henglep Kuki will be allowed to come down to valley area.

However, representatives of both the sides met at the DGP's office and withdrew the restrictions after reaching an understanding, Jadumani said, adding that all the indigenous people of the land can freely climb Thangjing hill and offer prayer as usual.

He also said that CPPKT is committed to ensuring public welfare and stand firm on presenting factual history of the land to the people.

Meanwhile, Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Henglep Block has stated that it is perturbed by the distorted reports by some valley-based media over the understandings reached between KSO Henglep and CPPKT on Monday.

In a release, KSO Henglep clarified that the meeting held at the office DGP Manipur, the parties in dispute resolved to withdraw all the press releases in connection with Thangting (Thangjing) Hills.

The reported claims by some media that any activities involving tree plantation have been permitted are unfound, it clarified.

KSO emphasised that it understands the importance of trekking hills for religious rituals.

There were no instances of disturbing or interrupting pilgrims who trek the hills for religious purpose as the Kukis understand that 'Chingkaba/Laikhrumba' is an important activity of the indigenous Meiteis and is respected and well-acknowledged by the local villagers in the hills for ages.

"We would like to reiterate that any development activities, including plantation, shall be carried out by, or with the consent of, the chiefs and locals," it further said.

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