The recent call to ban Meitei pilgrims from visiting the sacred Thangjing Hills in Manipur has sparked widespread outrage, with Manipur Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze leading the charge against what he described as an attempt to create division among communities. Speaking out against the proposed ban, the MP has condemned the move, calling it a serious challenge to the unity of the state and a direct threat to the religious freedom of Meitei people.
The Issue at Hand
Thangjing Hills, located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for the Meitei community. It holds great religious significance for Meitei Hindus, who consider the hills a sacred space linked to their cultural and spiritual identity. The Thangjing temple is dedicated to the Meitei deity Thangjing, who is believed to be the protector of the Meitei people.
In recent weeks, certain groups within the state have called for a ban on Meitei pilgrims visiting the hills. The call has reportedly been fueled by concerns related to land disputes and ethnic tensions that have been escalating in the region. These tensions have brought the longstanding issue of the rights of indigenous communities and their access to sacred spaces to the forefront, leading to the demand for a ban on Meitei worshippers entering Thangjing Hills.
Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze’s Strong Response
Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze, representing the Outer Manipur constituency, has voiced his strong opposition to the calls for banning the Meitei community from visiting Thangjing Hills. In a press statement, the MP emphasized that the proposal not only undermines the constitutional rights of the Meitei people but also undermines the spirit of unity that has been a hallmark of Manipur’s diverse and multicultural society.
“It is not just a call against the Meitei community but an attack on the religious and cultural fabric of Manipur,” Dr. Pfoze stated. He further added, “Every community in Manipur has the right to practice its religion freely, and no individual or group has the right to infringe upon that fundamental right.”
Tensions and Divisions
The call to ban Meitei pilgrims comes amid heightened ethnic tensions in the state, particularly after the Meitei-Kuki conflict that flared up in 2023, which saw significant violence and displacement of people. The conflict, which primarily involved Meitei Hindus and Kuki Christians, has had far-reaching implications for the state, affecting not only political and social dynamics but also the state’s religious practices.
For many in the Meitei community, Thangjing Hills has served as a place of solace, spirituality, and communal harmony for centuries. The sudden push to restrict access to this sacred site is being seen as part of a larger attempt to undermine the Meitei community’s cultural and religious rights, particularly as they relate to the preservation of their heritage and the ability to practice their faith without fear of persecution or exclusion.
Religious Freedom and Unity at Stake
Dr. Pfoze’s remarks highlight the importance of religious freedom and communal harmony in the context of India’s democratic fabric. He stressed that the demand to restrict Meitei pilgrims is contrary to the secular nature of the Indian state, where every individual and community is constitutionally entitled to practice their religion.
The MP also pointed out the dangerous precedent that such actions set, warning that religious restrictions based on ethnic or community lines could lead to further polarization and divisions in a state that has always prided itself on its diverse culture and shared history.
“Manipur is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and religions,” Dr. Pfoze said. “We cannot afford to let one community be pitted against another. We must ensure that all communities, whether Meitei, Kuki, or any other, are able to live together in harmony and peace.”
Appeal for Dialogue and Resolution
Dr. Pfoze urged all stakeholders involved to engage in constructive dialogue and find solutions that respect the rights and sentiments of all communities. He called for a peaceful resolution of the issues surrounding Thangjing Hills and a restoration of faith in the region’s ability to peacefully coexist and uphold religious freedom.
He also appealed to the state government to take swift action to prevent any steps that might further escalate tensions and instead promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
The call to ban Meitei pilgrims from Thangjing Hills is not just an issue about religious access but about the broader questions of unity, identity, and freedom in Manipur. As tensions simmer between ethnic groups, it is essential that the state’s leaders work towards fostering an environment of understanding and respect, ensuring that no community is marginalized or denied its rights.
The voices of leaders like Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze are crucial in standing up for the rights of the Meitei community and ensuring that the religious freedoms of all communities in the state are preserved. With the future of communal harmony at stake, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Manipur can uphold its tradition of unity in diversity or fall victim to forces seeking to divide it.