Protests by Kuki-Zo women, citing security concerns and opposition to Meitei presence, led to the cancellation of the annual Meitei pilgrimage to Thangjing Hills in Manipur, highlighting the deep-seated ethnic divisions in the region.
BY PC Bureau
Amid escalating tensions in Manipur, Meitei pilgrims were compelled to cancel their annual pilgrimage to the sacred Thangjing Hills in Churachandpur district on Monday. This decision followed significant protests by Kuki-Zo women who opposed the pilgrimage and any attempt by Meiteis to cross the heavily guarded ‘buffer zone’ separating the two ethnic communities.
To prevent any untoward incidents, a massive deployment of security forces was undertaken in sensitive areas such as Kwakta and Phougakchai Ikhai in Bishnupur district, along the pilgrimage route.
Thangjing Hill, revered by the Meitei community as the abode of Lord Ibudhou Thangjing, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. The traditional pilgrimage, usually undertaken in April during Cheiraoba—the Meitei New Year—witnesses devotees from across the Imphal Valley gather at the hilltop shrine to offer prayers.
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On Sunday, a large number of pilgrims offered prayers at the Thangjing temple in Bishnupur and camped overnight in Moirang and nearby areas in preparation for their onward journey. However, they were met with fierce opposition from Kuki-Zo groups, who staged sit-in protests across buffer zones in New Zalenphai, Gothol, and Khousabung. Thousands of Kuki-Zo women spearheaded these demonstrations, aiming to block access for Meitei groups attempting to conduct the Cheirao Ching Kaba ritual.
“I came with two of my friends to join the pilgrimage, but we realized we couldn’t go beyond Kwakta due to tight security,” the news agency PTI quoted a pilgrim named Naoba. “There was hardly any movement toward the hills. We decided to turn back.”
According to official sources, security forces have been deployed in Kwakta and Phougakchao Ikhai, both critical points along the pilgrimage route. The path to Thangjing Hill passes through forested and isolated terrain, amplifying safety concerns given the current volatile climate.
“Our elders have advised us to wait until the situation improves,” an elderly Meitei man stated. “The route goes through Kuki villages, and there are reports of large gatherings of Kukis near the foothills. Even with security protection, the risk is too high.”
Despite this setback, the pilgrims maintain hope. “This is a tradition more than a thousand years old,” Naoba emphasized. “We’ll return when the time is right. This can’t be erased by threats.”
‼️Mass prayers at the Ibudhou Thangjing Laisang/ Temple at Moirang earlier today, seeking blessing from Lord Ibudhou Thangjing , for a safe pilgrimage trip for tomorrow, the 14th April 2025.
This is one of the rituals that the Meiteis have been taking for several centuries.… pic.twitter.com/160xW1tAnc
— TheBlueHills (@TheBlueHills49) April 13, 2025
Tensions escalated on Saturday when six Kuki organizations publicly protested the planned pilgrimage, vowing to resist it “tooth and nail.”
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“Attempts to cross the buffer zone will be seen as a direct provocation,” the groups declared in a joint statement. “Any untoward incident resulting from such actions will be the responsibility of those attempting them.”
In response, the Meitei Heritage Society released a statement urging the government to uphold constitutional rights. “The rule of law must prevail,” it asserted. “Threatening Meiteis to forgo their traditional pilgrimage is unconstitutional and a blatant violation of the right to freedom of movement and religious practice.”
Since May 2023, the ethnic clashes between the valley-based Meitei community and the hill-dwelling Kuki population have resulted in the loss of over 260 lives. The initial spark for the violence was a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized to protest a Manipur High Court order recommending Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis.
The ongoing unrest prompted the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. While the state assembly remains suspended, the region continues to struggle with fragile peace, social divisions, and significant security challenges.
