Clarify stand on Thangjing Hill : CPPKT to Govt

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 19 : The Committee on Protection & Preservation of the Historical Rights of Koubru & Thangjing Hill Ranges (CPPKT) has asked the State Government to come out with a clarification  on the claim that one Thengmang Haokip is the owner of Thangjing Hill Range.
On the other hand, CCPKT informed that the ultimatum served to KSO Henglep block to clarify the purported statement issued on May 5 which directs individuals and valley based CSOs to take prior permission from the village chiefs concerned to enter Thangjing Hill Range on or before May 20 is not yet withdrawn.
Notably, Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Henglep block, had on May 17, claimed that Loikhai village chief Thenmang Haokip is the rightful owner of the hill ranges with supporting document to prove his authority over the area who inherited his chieftainship passed down from generations.
A press release issued by CPPKT said that a one day discussion on Ibudhou Thangjing Hill Ranges was held at Naranseina in the presence of its convenor Sapamcha Jadumani, Kabui Union president Dr Heera Kabui, Ingu Tongbram Ibopishak Singh (Pukhrambam Naha, Phamnaiba Cheirap Loisang Ibudhou Thangjing), KMKKL president Gourav Moirangcha and Naranseina Seva Club secretary Ningthoujam Jadumani as presidium members wherein few resolutions were adopted.
CPPKT reminded that KSO Henglep block had also  issued a controversial press release on May 5 which said, "It is unethical and unbecoming of any individual, group or society to conduct activities without taking due consent of the local  populace or the chief(s)."
Asserting that the particular organisation, chief or any club  doesn't have the right to impose restrictions on entering any part of Manipur, CCPKT asserted that a group of people who have been taking shelter at Thangjing Hill Range without any restriction from the State Government cannot claim ownership of the hill range.
Naming the sacred hill range as Thangting by a section of people is not only an insult to the indigenous people but also an attempt to distort the literature, folklore, mythology, legends and other accounts originally associated with ancient Moirang, it claimed and urged the State Government to clarify the purported claim that chief of Loikhai village  is the rightful owner of Thangjing Hill Range.
Further urging the State Government to take teach a befitting lesson to these people who "paid Refugee Tax till 1968" for putting a condition on the movement of indigenous people on its own land, CCPKT added that KSO Henglep Block accusing them (CCPKT) of misinterpreting the press communique is unfounded and people are well aware of it.
The gathering also condemned that statement issued by Saikot AC MLA Paolienlal Haokip and KSO Henglep block regarding Thangjing Hill Range, it added.