Manipur: Kuki bodies protest against annual Meitei pilgrimage

The Kuki organization have started protesting on Thursday in and around the foothills of Thangjing hill range against the Meitei community's annual pilgrimage to the top of the hill, which they consider a sacred site.

This protest began after the Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) announced plans to carry out rituals atop the Thangjing hill.

The Indigenous Tribals' Leaders Forum (ITLF) led the protest at Pholjang village, located at the foothill, with Kuki women, children, and civil society organizations including KSO participating.

The Kuki community has been firm in their stance, with various organization previously issuing a warning that no one should enter their areas without a solid political solution.

The Meitei community views the Thangjing hill pilgrimage as an essential part of their cultural and religious heritage. However, the Kuki community sees the annual pilgrimage of the valley people as a potential threat and has been adamant that it will not be allowed to proceed without a political solution. The situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm to their positions.