Meitei Body Seeks Home Minister’s Intervention on Thangjing Hill Pilgrimage Threats

Ukhrul, April 15: The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking immediate intervention regarding the threats and blockades imposed by “Chin-Kuki Militants” and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to Meitei Pilgrims at Thangjing Hill in Manipur.

Conveying deep concern, the foundation noted that Thangjing Hill holds immense religious and cultural significance for the Meitei community, which has conducted annual pilgrimages to the hill for generations, worshipping Ibudhou Thangjing, the guardian deity of southern Kangleipak (Manipur).

Highlighting that the current blockade is a blatant violation of their constitutional rights and a direct assault on heritage, the document likened it to Hindus being barred from their pilgrimage to Kailash Parbat or Muslims from traveling to Mecca.

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”The threats and intimidation — including public death threats (Annexure 1) and video evidence of armed militants stationed at the hilltop — amount to a targeted campaign to deny religious freedom. Such actions are a blatant violation of Articles 25(1), 19(1)(d), and 21 of the Constitution of India and threaten to destabilize the fragile peace in the region,” the foundation said.

Further, the foundation also alleged that the threats to pilgrims were not merely a law-and-order issue but a deliberate provocation to incite unrest among the Meiteis. “The inaction in the face of these threats — despite the imposition of President’s Rule and the presence of over one lakh security personnel — is deeply troubling, especially when the Ministry of Home Affairs, vide its notification dated March 1, 2025, explicitly directed the free movement of people across Manipur from March 8, 2025, warning of strict action against any obstruction,” it stressed.

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The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation then demanded the Home Minister’s immediate intervention to ensure the safety of Meitei pilgrims and civilians visiting Thangjing Hill; take prompt and decisive action against the militant groups and their supporters blocking the pilgrims; and to deploy adequate security forces around the sacred site to maintain peace and avert any escalation of violence.

“The response of the Government of India will determine whether the Indian State will prevail and safeguard the constitutional rights of its citizens, or whether intimation by the Chin Kuki Militants and their frontal groups are allowed to overrule the Rule of Law,” it further said, adding it trust in the Home Minister’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of its citizens.

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