Manipur: Kuki tribals' protest against annual Meitei pilgrimage

IANS April 13, 2025 318 views

The Kuki-Zo community has launched a significant protest against the Meitei community's annual pilgrimage to Thangjing Hills in Manipur. Tribal organizations are demanding a comprehensive political solution before allowing any cultural or religious access to their territories. The Indigenous Tribals' Leaders Forum has issued a stark warning about maintaining the buffer zone and preventing potential conflict. This standoff highlights the complex ethnic dynamics and territorial sensitivities in the northeastern Indian state.

"Unless a political settlement is reached... no friendly approach to Kuki-Zo-Hmar land would be allowed" - Indigenous Tribals' Leaders Forum
Imphal, April 13: Hundreds of men and women belonging to the Kuki-Zo community have started protesting on Sunday in and around the foothills of Thangjing hill range against the Meitei community’s annual pilgrimage to the top of the hill in Manipur, which they consider a sacred site.

Key Points

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Kuki tribes blocking Meitei religious pilgrimage at Thangjing Hills

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Protest demands constitutional political resolution

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Communities clash over sacred hill access

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Tensions escalate in Manipur's ethnic landscape

The protest began after the Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) announced plans to carry out rituals atop the Thangjing hill in Churachandpur district, a Kuki-Zo-Hmar inhabited area. The Indigenous Tribals’ Leaders Forum (ITLF), one of the leading tribal organisations, led the protest at Pholjang village, located at the foothill, with Kuki women, children, and civil society organisations, including the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO).

Earlier, the Kuki community issued warnings that no one should enter their areas without a solid political solution. The Meitei community views the Thangjing or Thangting Hills pilgrimage as an essential part of their cultural and religious heritage. The north–south-running mountain range forms part of the western border of the Imphal Valley. However, the Kuki community sees the annual pilgrimage of the valley people as a potential threat and has been adamant that it will not be allowed to proceed without a political solution.

The situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The Kuki tribal organisations, in a joint statement, said that the Meitei community intends to cross the buffer zone for Ching Kaba at Thangting or Thangjing Hills. “Unless a political settlement is reached by the government of India for the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community under the Constitution of India, no such friendly approach to the jurisdiction of Kuki-Zo-Hmar land would be allowed for the Meitei community,” they stated.

The organisations emphasized that to avoid further escalation, each community must maintain the status quo and respect the buffer zone. “Any intention to cross the buffer zone would be opposed tooth and nail by the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community people,” the statement added, urging the government to take measures to safeguard the interests of both communities.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
This situation is so complex - both communities have legitimate concerns. The government needs to mediate properly before things escalate further. Cultural heritage is important, but so is respecting indigenous land rights.
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Priya M.
As someone from Manipur, this breaks my heart 💔 We've lived together for generations. There must be a way to honor both traditions without conflict. The buffer zone seems like a reasonable temporary solution.
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Sanjay T.
While I understand the Kuki community's concerns, I think the article could have given more historical context about how long the Meitei pilgrimage has been occurring. Both sides need to come to the table.
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Meena L.
The women and children joining the protest shows how deeply this affects the Kuki community. Hope the government listens before it's too late! #PeaceForManipur
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Amit R.
Respectful criticism: The article focuses heavily on the Kuki perspective. While important, it would help readers understand if we heard more from Meitei community leaders about why this pilgrimage matters to them.
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Neha P.
These kinds of conflicts are happening across India. We need better systems to protect minority rights while preserving cultural traditions. So complicated 😞

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Manipur Conflict Kuki Tribes Meitei Pilgrimage Ethnic Tensions Thangjing Hills Indigenous Rights
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