Why a gate set up on a hill sacred to Meiteis has forced a reaction from Manipur CM
- The Manipur government has moved to take action against the alleged setting up of a gate on the Thangjing hill range – sacred to the Meitei community
- There a board purportedly declares the area the ‘Thangting Camp’ of the Kuki National Front – Military Council (KNF-MC).
Key highlights
- The KNF-MC is one of the armed Kuki-Zomi groups that are party to the contested tripartite Suspension of Operations (SOO) agreement with the Union and state governments.
- the hill range falls under the Churachandpur-Khaopum Protected Forests, and is a protected site under law.
- The Manipur Names of Places Act is a new legislation which was introduced in the Assembly session in March.
- It makes the use of unauthorised names for places a punishable offence.
- During the ongoing conflict in Manipur, as Kukis and Meiteis fled areas where they were minorities, the names of places have also become contested.
- However, the controversy over the naming of Thangjing-Thangting hill range predates the ongoing violence.
The Thangjing hill
- It is located in Churachandpur district, is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Sanamahism in the Meitei community.
- Given the deep geographical and social divides borne by the ongoing conflict, it has become inaccessible to the community.
- The name Thangjing is associated with the Ibudhou Thangjing temple on the peak, believed to be the original abode of the deity Thangjing.
- Thangting is the name used by the Kuki residents of the hill range.
- During the course of the conflict, there have also been controversies over the alleged erecting of crosses on the hill.
Prelims takeaway
- Meitei
- Kuki