Committee on Protection and Preservation of the Historic Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges

The **Committee on Protection and Preservation of the Historical Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges (CPPKT)** () is a group from Manipur. It focuses on the protection and preservation of the sacred, historical, and cultural sites located in the Mount Koubru and Thangjing hill ranges. The committee has consistently raised concerns regarding restricted access to these sites and the presence of unauthorised structures at locations regarded as sacred by the Meitei community.

## Cultural significance

The Mount Koubru and Thangjing hill ranges hold religious and cultural importance for the Meitei people. Koubru is regarded as the abode of Ibudhou Koubru, while Thangjing is associated with Ibudhou Thangjing, the ancestral deity of Moirang. According to CPPKT, these hill ranges contain numerous places of worship and sites of historical importance. The committee has stated that access to these sacred locations has been restricted since May 3, 2023, preventing devotees from performing religious rites and undertaking pilgrimages.

### Memorandum to the Chief Minister in 2021

On January 14, 2021, CPPKT submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh requesting comprehensive protection of the Koubru and Thangjing hill ranges. The committee noted that while the Government had earlier placed certain portions of the hills under protection through an order issued on November 26, 2020, under the Manipur Ancient and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976, many sites of worship and historical significance remained excluded. CPPKT stated that the Koubru hill range contains thirteen notable sites of worship, while the Thangjing hill range includes thirteen sites of worship and nine historical sites. The committee urged the Government to bring the entire hill ranges under the Place of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

### Agreement Between CPPKT and Kuki Student’s Organization in 2022

On May 23, 2022, CPPKT and the Kuki Student’s Organization of Henglep Block and Churachandpur reached an agreement regarding the issue of Thangjing Hills. Following discussions, both parties agreed to withdraw all press releases related to the matter and advised the public to refrain from making unnecessary comments on social media or other platforms. The agreement was signed at the office chamber of the Director General of Police, Manipur, and was publicly acknowledged by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who appealed for restraint and harmony.

#### Meeting at Raj Bhavan

On April 2, 2025, representatives of Thangjing Seva Mandal, the Historical Heritage Development Organisation, and CPPKT met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan. During the meeting, the representatives informed the Governor of the difficulties faced by devotees who were unable to visit the sacred Thangjing Hills to offer prayers. The Governor assured them that the authorities would examine the matter. The meeting was also attended by the Security Advisor, the Secretary to the Governor, and the Superintendent of Police of Bishnupur district.

## Government assurances and follow-up

According to CPPKT, the Government later assured that the unauthorised structure at Thangjing Hill would be removed, a survey of the area would be conducted, security would be strengthened through the deployment of Central Reserve Police Force personnel, and arrangements would be made for pilgrimages to Koubru and Thangjing during Sajibu 2026. CPPKT stated that a reminder memorandum seeking an update on these assurances was submitted to the Governor on December 16, 2025, but no response had been received.

### Decision to organise the rally

On December 26, 2025, CPPKT announced that a mass rally would be held on December 28 to demand access for Meitei pilgrims to the sacred sites of Koubru and Thangjing. The decision was taken during a joint meeting of CPPKT and various civil society organisations at Moirang Kumam Mandap on December 25. The meeting discussed the continued inability of Meiteis to undertake pilgrimages, the alleged occupation of the hill ranges, the erection of a cross at Ibudhou Thangjing Laiphamlen, and the perceived lack of government action to safeguard the sacred sites.

### Conduct of the rally

The mass rally took place on December 28, 2025, at Moirang. It began at Ibudhou Thangjing Moirang Laikol, passed through Moirang Keithel and Moirang Lamkhai, and concluded at the Hemam Nilamani Ngangkhalampak Sports Complex. The rally was jointly organised by CPPKT and several community and civil society organisations. Participants demanded that the Government allow access to the sacred pilgrimage sites and take action to protect them. Speakers at the rally stated that continued inaction would lead to further protests.

### Memorandum to the Governor

On December 29, 2025, a delegation of CPPKT visited Raj Bhavan seeking an audience with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla but was not granted an appointment. The committee subsequently submitted a memorandum at the Governor’s office. According to CPPKT secretary Shyam Khumanthem, the memorandum highlighted the denial of religious and cultural rights of the Meitei people due to restricted access to sacred sites since May 3, 2023. It demanded the removal of unauthorised and unwanted structures at the sacred sites, permission for devotees to perform religious rites and pilgrimages, and protection of all sacred locations, including Koubru and Thangjing.

The committee warned that strong public agitation would follow if no positive response was received. Copies of the memorandum were to be submitted to the Chief Secretary, the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Moirang Assembly Constituency, and the concerned Deputy Commissioners.

## Public appeal and continued advocacy

CPPKT appealed to indigenous communities to support efforts aimed at protecting historical, cultural, and religious sites. The committee reiterated that continued restrictions on access to sacred places and the lack of government action could result in intensified public movements seeking protection and preservation of the Koubru and Thangjing hill ranges.

## Related pages

- Meitei deities
- Meitei mythology
- Meitei folklore
- Nongmaiching Ching
- Ancient Kangleipak