The windshields and window glasses were found shattered at around 2:30 pm on Tuesday.
TFM Desk
Amid the tensions, two vehicles parked at the base of Mt Koubru by pilgrims were vandalised on Tuesday. The video of the damaged vehicle went viral on social media platforms.
The pilgrims usually come in their private vehicles and park it in an open space near Amamlok. And then they scale the 2,562-metre high mountain to pay obeisance to God Lainingthou Koubru and Goddess Kounu.
According to Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) secretary general Ngamkheingakpa Luwang, the two vehicles — a car (Alto) and a SUV (Bolero), were parked at the back of other vehicles stationed in the area on Monday. They scaled the mountain on Monday, spent the night there and came back on Tuesday.
The windshields and window glasses were found shattered around 2:30 pm on Tuesday. The Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional SP of Kangpokpi district rushed to the scene at around 3:30-4:00 pm, he added.
The SP assured to nab culprits at the earliest and also offered Rs 5,000 from his own pocket for repairing the vehicles, Ngamkheingakpa said. But there was no report of any suspects being apprehended at the time of reporting.
The controversy surrounding Mt Koubru began after a committee announced restrictions at all the entry points to the mountain. While the committee later clarified that there was no ban for pilgrimage, the damage seems to be already done as many people, particularly the Meiteis, vehemently objected to the ban and questioned authority of the committee to enforce the ban and its motive.
According to Manipuri mythology, Mt Koubru serves as an abode of God Lainingthou Koubru and Goddess Kounu since time immemorial. Several communities of the state regard it as one of the most sacred places.
Every year many climb the mountain during spring and winter and offer prayer at the peak. It has been a ritual since time immemorial.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, minister Letpao Haokip, CSOs, and other public figures, amongst others have been urging the people to maintain calm.