Despite the measures taken by the government for the protection and preservation of historical, religious places and monuments including the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 which is in existence, one of the Kuki-Zo Narco Terrorists group, Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) has reportedly openly established its camp at Thangjing, which is one of the sacred places of the Meitei community.
The KNF has razed the site to the ground and renamed it into Mt Olive, as per sources.
KNF is allegedly openly celebrating its weapons showcasing ceremony at Meitei sacred place Thangjing camp.
A video supposedly showing KNF members celebrating the usurpation of the sacred site, merry making and dancing to what seems like a Kuki song while showcasing their various sophisticated weapons is also being circulated on social media platforms.
Mention may be made here that various properties including several historical and sacred sites of the Meitei Community have either been burned, desecrated or destroyed during the prevailing conflict which erupted on May 3, 2023.
Among them includes the Kongba Maru Laipham, a sacred place for the Meitei community, in Imphal East which was burned by suspected Kuki militants on July 6, 2023; Ima Kondong Lairembi, one of the oldest Meitei temples located on the border town of Moreh, vandalised and torched by militant; Ibudhou Thangjing Shrine at Thangjing hill, Koubru Leika Temple and over 393 Meitei temples were reportedly destroyed during the conflict.
It may be mentioned that the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (or AMASR Act) enacted by the Parliament of India in 1958 provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance, for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for the protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
The painstaking efforts of various organisations and associations to preserve and uphold the historical sites of the community have been laid to waste and the Centre Government’s alleged failure to take necessary actions and remaining a mute spectator even as many temples have been destroyed and burnt during the clash has fuelled contempt among the people.
