The smouldering face-off between Kuki Students’ Organisation and some non-tribal social organisations in Manipur has caused concern among the people. Despite the fact that the straws in the wind are taking a definite disturbing shape, the government, which has been claiming that the BJP-led government has bridged the hill-valley chasm, has not intervened.
The valley people have been worshipping since time immemorial the venerated mountain gods of the Koubru and the Thangjing in Kangpokpi and Bishnupur districts respectively. The KSO reportedly obstructed the planting of saplings in the Koubru mountain by government officials in conjunction with volunteers. Later an agreement was reached.
Ngamkheingakpa Luwang, general secretary of Kangleipak Kunba Lup said, “The ban says that people and organisations from the valley [non-tribals] cannot come to the mountains and do anything. It includes worshipping the venerated mountain gods since time immemorial. KSO has no authority to do so. It should withdraw the ban.”
