Manipur MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Slams Ban on Meitei Pilgrimage to Thangjing Hill, Warns Patience Running Thin

Sanajaoba highlighted the deep spiritual and cultural connection the Meitei community has with Thangjing Hill.

Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, has expressed strong disapproval over the recent restriction imposed by Kuki organisations on Meitei pilgrims visiting the sacred Thangjing Hill. He warned that the Meitei community’s patience may not last forever if such actions continue.

Speaking at Sana Konung (Royal Palace) during the flagging-off ceremony of the MEELAL team heading to Tripura to promote the Meitei Mayek script, the BJP MP said, “While the Meiteis have endured this humiliation in the interest of peace, such denial of spiritual rights cannot be tolerated for long.”

Sanajaoba highlighted the deep spiritual and cultural connection the Meitei community has with Thangjing Hill and called the restriction an unacceptable insult. “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,” he stated.

He reminded that Meitei people have been worshipping at Thangjing for centuries and no civilised society should justify or support restrictions on access to sacred places. “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 organisations are allowed to go unchecked, it will derail the peace process and disturb the return to normalcy,” he added.

MP Sanajaoba also criticised the silence of the Central government on the issue, stating that inaction could undermine ongoing peace efforts and violate the constitutional right to freedom of religion. He called on the Centre to intervene urgently and ensure that all communities can enjoy their religious rights freely.

He further appealed to both Meitei and Kuki communities to show restraint and avoid provocative actions. “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,” he said.

It may be noted that following the statement issued by six Kuki organisations banning Meitei pilgrimage to Thangjing, several Meitei civil society organisations, including the Meitei Heritage Foundation and the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO), strongly objected to the statement and termed it unconstitutional.

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