15Imphal: The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation has issued an urgent appeal to Union Home minister Amit Shah, seeking immediate intervention over ‘unconstitutional blockade and threats by Chin-Kuki militants and civil society groups’ against Meitei pilgrims visiting the sacred Thangjing Hill in Manipur.
Thangjing Hill located in Churachandpur district is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for the Meitei people, is home to Ibudhou Thangjing—the guardian deity of southern Kangleipak (present-day Manipur).
For generations, the Meitei community has undertaken annual pilgrimages to the site, particularly during Cheiraoba, the Meitei New Year, said the statement issued by the Meitei group.
However, this year’s pilgrimage, which fell on April 14, was disrupted. Security forces reportedly blocked pilgrims at Kwakta in Bishnupur district, preventing them from proceeding toward the hill. The obstruction came amid protests by thousands of Kuki-Zo women in Churachandpur district, who staged sit-ins demanding a ban on “unauthorised entry” into areas they claim as their own.
According to the foundation, pilgrims faced intimidation, including public death threats and the presence of armed militants stationed at the hilltop evidence of which was submitted through video footage and documentation. The group termed the blockade a blatant violation of constitutional rights and a direct attack on the Meitei community’s religious freedom.
“Such actions are comparable to Hindus being barred from pilgrimage to Kailash Parbat or Muslims from traveling to Mecca,” the foundation said in its memorandum, citing violations of Articles 25(1), 19(1)(d), and 21 of the Indian Constitution—pertaining to freedom of religion, freedom of movement, and the right to life.
The group also raised concerns about a broader pattern of religious obstruction. Meitei Hindus, who regularly travel to pilgrimage sites such as Nabadweep, Vrindavan, and Haridwar, have reportedly been unable to do so for the past two years due to highway blockades allegedly enforced by Chin-Kuki groups. For many, air travel remains unaffordable, making such restrictions especially burdensome.
“The threats at Thangjing Hill are not merely a law-and-order issue,” the group stated. “They represent a deliberate provocation aimed at inciting unrest among the Meiteis.”
Despite President’s Rule being in force in Manipur and the presence of more than one lakh security personnel, the community said there has been little enforcement of constitutional rights.
The appeal referenced a directive of ministry of Home Affairs dated March 1, 2025, which explicitly ordered the free movement of people across the state starting March 8, with warnings of strict action against those obstructing it.
In response to the situation, the foundation submitted a three-point demand to the central government included ensure the safety and security of Meitei pilgrims visiting Thangjing Hill, take immediate and decisive action against militant groups and their supporters obstructing the pilgrimage and deploy adequate security forces around the sacred site to maintain peace and prevent any potential escalation.
“The Government of India must now decide whether it will uphold the Constitution and the rights of its citizens, or allow intimidation by armed groups to override the rule of law,” the foundation said.
The same memorandum was also submitted to the Governor of Manipur and former Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
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