Meeting point reached on Mt Koubru with Govt, claims COPPK
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 20 2021: Amid UKAL's planned mass religious ritual at Mt Koubru tomorrow, an agreement has been reached with the Government regarding issues surrounding Mt Koubru, said the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mount Koubru (COPPK) today.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between the members of the COPPK and State Government represented by YAS Minister Letpao Haokip and Forest Minister Awangbow Newmai, said a statement signed by Dr Lamtinthang Haokip, secretary COPPK.

Firstly, the meeting agreed that there will be no restrictions on pilgrimage to Mt Koubru.

"In order to protect and preserve the sacredness and sanctity of Mount Koubru, it is agreed that the traditional and present status at Mount Koubru shall be maintained" .

Further, the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mount Koubru and the Government shall take steps to eradicate the cultivation of poppy plant.

The above agreements are made with a view to protect and preserve the eco-system and biodiversity of Koubru range, said the statement issued by secretary, COPPK.

Notably, this agreement came amid UKAL's plan to hold a mass religious ritual at Mt Koubru tomorrow.

During a press meet today, the Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL), Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) and Manipur Youth Organisation (MYO) said they are ready to hold the rituals tomorrow.

At the office of the UKAL near Palace Gate, its convenor Mutum Maniton Mangang told reporters that the decision to hold religious rituals on Mt Koubru was taken during a meeting of the organisations (UKAL, KKL and MYO) today.

The planned religious rituals will not cause harm or restrict any individual, group, community or organisation.

The religious procession will also follow all COVID-19 SOPs issued by the Government, he said.

He informed that the religious procession will first visit the Ibudhou Koubru Asuppa Temple at Koubru Leikha at around 8 am and hold rituals.

The procession will then proceed towards Ibudhou's sacred site on Mt Koubru.

While food and other amenities will be provided to people at Koubru Leikha, those who wish to go further towards the sacred site on Mt Koubru will have to bring their own food and other items needed for night-stay and religious/ritual items and offerings, he added.

M Maniton also informed that 20 members of the UKAL have already left for Mt Koubru to prepare for the rituals.

At the press meet, Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL), general secretary, Ngamkheingakpa Luwang appealed people to join the rituals on Mt Koubru and contribute in protecting and preserving the site.

While advising all to follow the COVID-19 SOPs when they scale the Mt Koubru, he said the planned religious rituals are not directed against any individual, community or organisation.

On the other hand, many organisations have poured in codemnations against the breaking of a bridge and reported disturbances given to some on Mt Koubru recently.

While appealing for peace, the organisations including Manipur Kabui Union, United Club's Organisation of Bishnupur District, United Peoples' Front Manipur and National Identity Protection Council also called on every section of the people to preserve and promote the identity, culture and religion of the indigenous people.

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