IMPHAL, April 14: Heightened security measures were implemented in Manipur’s Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts on April 14 as Meitei pilgrims commenced their annual Thangjing pilgrimage, amid rising tensions and protests by the Kuki-Zo community.

The Meitei community considers Thangjing Hill a sacred and holy site, traditionally undertaking the pilgrimage in April. On Sunday, many pilgrims from across the Imphal Valley offered prayers at the Thangjing temple in Bishnupur and camped overnight in Moirang and surrounding areas in preparation for the pilgrimage in the days to come.

Officials reported that security deployment was intensified in key areas along the pilgrimage route, including Kwakta and Phougakchai Ikhai in Bishnupur district, to prevent any untoward incidents. These areas fall along the path leading to the Thangjing foothills.

However, hundreds of members from the Kuki-Zo community staged demonstrations at Thangjing Hill in Churachandpur district on Sunday in an effort to stop Meitei pilgrims from entering the site. Protesters reportedly arrived in vehicles from various regions and held a sit-in, voicing strong opposition to the pilgrimage.

In a stern warning, the agitators declared, “Whoever attempts to cross the buffer zone shall be considered a direct challenge to the Kuki-Zo community, and any untoward incidents that occur during such attempts shall be solely the responsibility of those who undertake them.”

The buffer zone—heavily guarded by security forces—acts as a divide between the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley and the Kuki-dominated hill districts.

On Saturday, several Kuki-Zo civil society organisations had issued warnings, stating that any attempt by Meiteis to ascend Thangjing Hill “will be opposed tooth and nail.” Six Kuki organisations have publicly protested against Meitei pilgrims entering the Thangjing hills.

In response, the Meitei Heritage Society issued a statement asserting the constitutional rights of Meiteis to undertake the pilgrimage.

“…rule of law should prevail and the constitutional rights of citizens should be safeguarded,” the society said, adding, “Threatening Meiteis to skip the pilgrimage to Thangjing hills is unconstitutional and is a blatant violation of freedom of free movement and right to religious practices.”