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21st May 2024 (15 Topics)

Manipur's "Sacred" Thangjingching (hill)

Context

The Manipur government has taken action against the Kuki National Front - Military Council (KNF-MC) for renaming a sacred hill of the Meitei community and claiming it as their "camp." The insurgent group installed a signboard at the base of Thangjingching (hill) calling it "Thangting camp" of the "Kuki Army."

About Thangjing Ching (Hill)

  • Thangjingching is a sacred site for the Meitei community in the lakeside town of Moirang. It is home to the deity IbudhouThangjing and is believed to be at least 2,000 years old.
  • The Thangjingching range lies between Moirang town and Churachandpur district, which are 40 km apart.

Fact Box: About Meiteis

  • Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur, accounting for about 53% of the State’s total population of 2.85 million (2011 census).
  • They are also known as Meetei or Manipuri and are spread across other northeastern States, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
  • Their language, Meiteilon, is one of the 22 recognized languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
  • Their ancient script, Meitei Mayek, dates back to the sixth century and is being revived after Bengali was made the official script in the early 18th century.
  • Religion: Over 83% of the Meitei people are Hindus. The community also includes Meitei Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) who make up 8.4%, Christians, and those who follow the indigenous Sanamahi faith.
  • History and Clans: The history of the Meiteis is chronicled in texts such as CheitharolKumbaba and NingthourolLambuba.
    • The Meiteis are divided into seven clans: Mangang, Luwang, Khuman, Angom, MoirangKha, Ngangba, and SarangLeishangthem.
    • The Meitei kingdom, called Kangleipak, traces its origin to Pakhangba (1445-1405 BCE), who is believed to have come from present-day China and settled in the Koubru hills, about 35 km northwest of Imphal.
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