Imphal: Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leishemba, has strongly condemned ban on Meitei pilgrims visiting the sacred shrine at Thangjing Hills, Churachandpur district by Kuki groups.
Sanajaoba termed the ban as a direct violation of the religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while flagging off a six-member team of Meitei Erol Eyel Loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL) at Imphal.
The team was heading to Tripura.
The initiative, jointly organized by MEELAL and the Manipur Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation, aimed to promote literacy in Meitei Mayek among the Meetei diaspora in Tripura.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event held at Sana Konung, the ceremonial royal palace in Imphal, Sanajaoba urged authorities to scrutinize and act against any hegemonic control over religious pilgrimages.
“The peace process between the two sides (Meitei and Kuki in conflict) has already been initiated by the Centre. At a time when steps are being taken to build understanding, such developments are deeply unfortunate. Centre must act decisively. If armed miscreants and rigid organizations are allowed to go unchecked, it will derail the peace process and disturb the return to normalcy,” the MP said.
“Manipur is a part of India governed by the Constitution. Objections to Meitei pilgrims visiting Thangjing a site central to our religious and cultural identity constitute a serious challenge to constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom. For centuries, the Meiteis have been ascending Thangjing for worship. No civilized society should justify or support restrictions on access to sacred places.”
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