Bharat is still reeling from the aftershocks of the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur. The investigations are still on and speculations still run riot on the truth behind the irreparable conflict between communities. However, recent reports from Manipur are shedding new light on the agenda behind Manipur Violence. A sacred place for the Meitei community, Moun Thangjing, faces desecration. The issue has re-ignited tensions in the region.
The conflict among Manipuri communities intensified when a cross and a flag of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) were erected on Mount Thangjing. The site is a hallowed place of worship for the Meitei community in Manipur. Let’s walk the road of Gyana to understand the truth about the incident, the significance of Mount Thangjing, and the broader implications of this act of desecration.
Desecration of Mount Thangjing: Provoking the Meitei Community
Mount Thangjing is located in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. It is a revered site of the Meitei community. They believe it to be the abode of Thangching, the ancestral deity of Moirang. As the guardian of the ten directions, Thangching is regarded as the national deity of the former Moirang kingdom. His temple sits atop this sacred hill. This temple attracts Hindu pilgrims from Manipur and beyond. However, the anti-Hindu culture and appeasement politics have ensured that the sanctity of this temple is tarnished.
Reports claim that Kuki individuals from the Zomi Revolutionary Army installed a large Christian Cross and the ZRA flag on Mount Thangjing. This act is a clear provocation to the Meitei community. The Meitei Heritage Society protests this act. It states that this act is similar to converting revered temples like Amarnath or Badrinath into cemeteries. The Kuki community is baiting the Meitei people by hurting their religious sentiments.
Where are the warriors of secularism now? Why is there no condemnation of this act by the dot-sot-brigade? Where is the so-called champion of the downtrodden Mr Rahul Gandhi? Do they support this act? Will they not speak out now?
In the Aftermath of the Desecration
The Committee on Protection and Preservation of the Historical Rights of the Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges (CPPKT) responded swiftly to this act of desecration. They discovered the ZRA flag and crucifix on September 11 and promptly filed a complaint with the Moirang police station. They are urging authorities to remove these illegally installed symbols on the hallowed temple hill for Meiteis.
In response, the CPPKT asserts that Section 4 of the Manipur Ancient & Historical Monuments and Archaeological and Remains Act 1976 safeguards the area dedicated to Ibudhou Thangjing at Thangjing hill range. They also stated that the Koubru Lai-phamlen and Koubru Lai Pukhri are two other sacred sites protected under the Act. While we await the authorities to take legal action against the instigators, tensions among the communities are resurfacing in Manipur. Will we have an episode 2 of Manipur Violence? Will the Meitei community still bear the brunt of public contempt? Or will the world acknowledge that the Kuki community is notoriously baiting the Hindus in the region?
The Mounting Meitei-Kuki Conflict and Tensions
Mount Thangjing is more than just a physical location; it holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for the Meitei community. Thangching is one of the Guardian deities in Meitei legends. His pivotal role in the region’s folklore and religious identity is undeniable.Â
The recent act of desecration should be treated as an act of aggression against the Meitei community. It should be marked as an attempt to fuel further tensions in the ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur. The desecration represents a cultural and spiritual affront to the Meitei community by the KRA. Authorities should act swiftly and decisively to avoid a full-scale de-escalation of the peace in the region. All symbols of desecration should be removed and the site should be guarded to prevent any further provoking acts by the Kuki community. As tensions persist, the need for reconciliation and peace in Manipur remains paramount to mitigate the suffering of its residents and protect its cultural heritage. May the government of India take due notice of the forces that are instigating hate among the communities of Manipur.