One of Manipur’s prominent CSOs, the Federation of Civil Societies Organisation (FOCS) Manipur has vehemently expressed its displeasure and disappointment over the efforts of the various Kuki groups to obstruct and ban sanctum pilgrimage at the sacred shrine of ‘Koubru’ and ‘Thangjing’ Ching (hill).
“It’s very unfortunate that some Kuki groups have imposed restrictions for the pilgrimage to places that have an inextricable and inseparable link between the Meitei Civilization and its religion,” said a statement issued by Secretary of Information & Public Relations FOCS Manipur.
Any dictate and hegemony to religious procession and its sacred ritual practices can’t be taken lightly, and it would be considered a direct confrontation or challenge. And now it’s high time for the Manipur Governor to let the people know what steps to take to intervene in such direct confrontation.
This restriction and dictate to Meitei people from travelling to their sacred religious sites, which have been performed since erstwhile, is against “freedom of religion” and a big effect on secularism.
Meanwhile, the recently viral videos by some Kuki miscreants that intentionally show disrespecting and discarding the Meitei’s Salai Flag have caused more angst and are intentionally provocative. Action should also be taken against them by security forces, and FOCS also appeals that security forces deployed should ensure security and safety for the pilgrimage to complete the sacred rituals.
