Mass rally demands access to sacred sites of Koubru, Thangjing

Our Correspondent
BISHNUPUR, Dec 28 : Demanding access to the sacred pilgrimage sites of Thangjing and Koubru, a large number of people staged a mass rally at Moi-rang today.
The rally was flagged off from Ibudhou Thangjing Moirang Laikol, passed through Moirang Keithel and Moirang Lamkhai, to ultimately culminate at Hemam Nilamani Ngangkha Lampak Sports Complex.
The mass rally was joint-ly organised by the Com- mittee on Protection and Preservation of the Historic Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges (CPPKT), Ibudhou Thang-jing Phamnaiba Cheirap Loisang, Apunba Nupi Lup, Moirang Apunba Meira Paibi Ima Lup, Salai Kanba Lup, Village Volunteer For-ce, Kege Moirang Kanglei- rol Kanba Lup, Kege Moirang Kendra Apunba Lup, Indigenous Development Mission, Thangjing Seva Mandal and Federation of Haomee (FoH), Bishnupur.
Speaking in this connection, rally participant and FoH president Sapamcha Jadumani, proclaimed that the Gods who created Meiteis cannot be subjugated by the Kukis who have allegedly occupied these sacred hill ranges.
Commenting on the Kukis' attempt to rename Thangjing Hills and the historic Loktak Lake as well as the false claim that the Meitei community usurped the practice of worshipping Ibudhou Thangjing from the Kukis, Jadumani described such acts as absolutely baseless and intolerable.
 Today's mass rally was staged demanding necessary action from the Government to allow Meiteis to go on pilgrimage to these sacred locations, said Jadumani.
 Ordinary citizens should not have to take up arms to save the sacred sites of Koubru and Thangjing. It is the Government's duty to safeguard such holy places and keep them intact. If they cannot fulfil these obligations, people can raise slogans for Manipur's independence, added Jadumani.
He further said that various forms of protests will be organised until the Government meets their demand.
The rally goers shouted slogans such as "Allow pilgrimages to Thangjing and Koubru Hills", "Let people visit Meiteis' sacred sites" and "Governor should act on his assurances".