Committee demands removal of cross atop Thangjing
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 13 2023:
Stating that they have come across a video footage showing erection of a cross at the sacred site of Ibudhou Thangjing on Thangjing hill range, the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Historical Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Ranges has demanded the state government to remove the cross within five days while cautioning of launching intense agitation in case of failure.
Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday, Committee general secretary Yumkhaibam Shyam Khuman said that the matter came to light when some individuals zoomed in on the video footage of the sacred site of Ibudhou Thangjing on Monday.
Terming it as a direct challenge to Meetei and their religious sentiments, he demanded the government to remove the cross within five days.
He also warned of launching intense agitation if the government fails to remove the cross and added that KSO should bear all responsibilities of any consequences of the stir.
Urging the Moirang MLA to look into the matter, he added that the committee will file a police complaint in this regard.
Shyam recalled a mandate of KSO issued on May 5, 2022, in which KSO banned Meetei pilgrims from ascending the religious site without the approval of KSO and chiefs of nearby Kuki villages.
The committee was formed against such unacceptable diktat of KSO, and demanded an unconditional apology from KSO by May 20.As KSO failed to apologise, the committee along with people of Moirang area launched a stir and restricted Kuki people from coming down to valley.
As the situation became tense, a joint meeting of KSO and the committee was held under the initiative of the then DGP, and the matter was settled citing some misunderstanding.
It was also agreed that in case of any unwanted activities on Thangjing hill range, the party that initiated such activities shall bear the responsibilities, he said and added that as per the agreement, KSO should bear the responsibility for erecting the cross.