Bodies flay desecration of Thangjing site
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 05 2024:
Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) and Eenat Yokkhat Lup (EYL) denounced the recent erection of a cross atop Thangjing hill, which is considered a holy site by the Meeteis, and renaming the hill as Mount Olive by putting up a sign board.
In separate releases, HERI COUN and EYL demanded central and state governments to take up necessary and appropriate action, called upon the Christian followers to introspect on such acts of sacrilege and remove the cross.
In contravention of the decree of the Supreme Court on December 16, 2023 for protection of holy sites of the indigenous people, erection of cross atop the Thangjing hill and renaming the location as 'Mount Olive' is against the culture, tradition and religion of the indigenous communities as well as blemishing the image of Christian followers, they condemned, while adding that such act is a challenge to the Supreme Court and rule of law in the country.
Frequent disturbances and destructions caused to Koubru and Thangjing hills which are protected under The Manipur Ancient & Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act, 1976 should be dealt with firmly by both the state and central governments, the bodies maintained, while questioning whether the governments have instigated illegal erection of cross atop the sacred Thangjing hill and renaming it as Mount Olive since no actions haye been initiated against the perpetrators till now.
The governments should take appropriate actions according to the law of the land so as to prevent any unwanted consequences, the two bodies cautioned.