IT News
Imphal, April 16:
Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, has expressed strong disapproval over the alleged restrictions placed on Meitei pilgrims visiting Thangjing Hill, warning that the silence of the Government of India on the issue could undermine the ongoing peace efforts and violate the constitutional right to freedom of religion.
Addressing reporters at Sana Konung, during the flagging-off ceremony of the MEELAL team visiting Tripura to promote the Meitei script, the BJP parliamentarian said, “The peace process between the two sides has already been initiated by the Centre. At a time when steps are being taken to build understanding, such developments are deeply unfortunate. The 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.”
Sanajaoba underlined the deep cultural and spiritual significance of Thangjing Hill for the Meitei community, calling the restriction an intolerable affront.
“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 observed the tradition of ascending Thangjing for worship. No civilized society should justify or support restrictions on access to sacred places,” he said.
Warning that the community’s patience may not last forever, he added, “While the Meiteis have endured this humiliation in the interest of peace, such denial of spiritual rights cannot be tolerated for long.”
He also stressed that any provocative actions affecting any community could lead to further instability. “The best way forward is for peace-loving Meiteis and Kukis to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that provoke communal sentiments. Without mutual respect and understanding, peace will remain elusive,” Sanajaoba said.
