Six civil society organisations (CSOs) of the Kuki-Zo community have asked the Meitei to refrain from climbing the Thangjing Hills bordering Churachandpur district as a part of their annual Cheiraoba event (Meitei New Year) to be celebrated on Saturday.
The CSOs issued a joint statement, including the Kuki Students’ Organisation and Kuki Women’s Union, asking the Meitei not to cross the buffer zone.
“There is speculation that the Meitei community intends to cross the buffer zone for Ching Kaba (climb hills) at Thangjing Hills. The Kuki Civil Societies inform all that unless and until the Government of India reaches a political settlement for the Kuki-Zo community under the Constitution of India, no such friendly approach to the jurisdiction of Kuki-Zo land will be allowed for the Meitei community,” it said.
It further warned that whoever attempts to cross the buffer zone shall be considered a direct threat to the Kuki- zo community, and any untoward incidents that occur during such attempts shall be solely the responsibility of those who undertake them.
Urging the Meitei community to avoid further escalation, it said, “Each community must maintain the status quo and respect the buffer zone. Any intention to cross the buffer zone will be opposed tooth and nail by the Kuki-Zo community.
The buffer zone is a virtual line that separates the Meitei-dominated Valley districts from the Kuki-Zo dominated district guarded by security forces.
The CSOs further asked the government to take measures to safeguard the interests of the two communities.
Story continues below this ad
Cheiraoba, the great ritual festival of the Meiteis, is observed on the first day of the Manipur lunar month Shajibu, which falls in April every year, and is the announcement of the beginning of a new year.
Sajibu Nongma Panba
Food offerings are made to sylvan deities and spirits to ward off things like disaster, disease and famine, and the offerings are a symbol for good things to come in the New Year. The day begins with ritual offerings of fruits, vegetables, rice and other uncooked food items to the Meitei deity Lainingthou Sanamahi in the morning. After receiving blessings from Lainingthou Sanamahi, an even number of dishes are prepared using the offerings. Another aspect of Cheiraoba is that in the afternoon, people (Meitei) climb a nearby hill or mountain, to pay homage to the hill deity.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Source link
[ad_3]
[ad_4]