The Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mount Koubru (COPPK) had announced “immediate closure” of all entry points to Koubru against the continuing of the survey works by the Manipur Government, despite its objection.
TFM Report
Information Centre for Hill Areas, Manipur (ICHAM) on Friday condemned the recent imbroglio over the restriction of entry to Mount Koubro and arson of a temple at Koubru Leikha.
Addressing media persons at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal, ICHAM president Yuimi Horam maintained that the sacred place at Mount Koubru belongs to all the indigenous people of the state. ICHAM condemned restriction of pilgrimage to such sacred places, he added.
Yuimi also warned that such instances may lead to unrest in the state and tension amongst different communities. He urged the people residing around Mount Koubru not let such incidents occur in the future again. Communities of the state also should not try to retaliate in any way, he added.
On April 11, the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mount Koubru (COPPK) had announced “immediate closure” of all entry points to Koubru against the continuing of the survey works by the Manipur Government, despite its objection.
The decision was taken in a meeting held at Saitu Village, Saitu Gamphazol Sub Division, participated by members of Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association, Kuki Inpi and other civil bodies of Kangpokpi district.
Consequently, several CSOs voiced their objections and condemnation of the decision. They have appealed to the COPPK to reconsider it and let sense prevail. The CSOs also appealed for calm and urged the government to solve the situation before it gets out of hand.
Facing backlash, the COPPK on April 14 clarified that it did not mention restrictions on pilgrims with religious purposes and not a single pilgrim has been denied entry till today. The restriction was imposed only to the survey team and any agency or department accompanying the survey team for security purposes or whatsoever, it added.