The Kuki Inpi, Kangpokpi district, several chiefs’ associations and civil bodies have strongly endorsed the stand of the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mt. Koubru (COPPK) concerning the proposed laying of foundation stone for a temple at Mt. Koubru by a group called Mahousa KNBA Lup on coming Thursday in the presence of MP Sanajaoba Singh.
The chiefs and villages inhabiting the Mt. Koubru range have been surviving through thick and thin, and have strong emotional and physical attachment all throughout the ages, stated a joint statement issued by Sadar Hills Chief's Association (SAHILCA), Saparmeina Area Villages Organisation (SAVO), Saitu-Gamphazol Area Villages Organisation (SGAVO), Khengjang Area Chief's Association (KACA), Leikot Area Chief's Association (LACA) and Kuki Inpi, Kangpokpi district.
“We have been welcoming and extending our utmost hospitality to all communities of the state irrespective of Caste, Creed and Faith for pilgrimage, rituals, prayers and trekking till today,” it stated.
It stated that they fully acknowledge the unfortunate degrading situation of the said ranges and areas for the past decades and endorse the initiatives of the Committee on Protection & Preservation of Mt. Koubru to bring back the past ecological glory and environmental sustainability in the area for the common good of the local populace and the people of Manipur at large.
“We extend all possible efforts to the COPPK in planting trees for afforestation and their initiatives for discontinuing poppy cultivation by the poor cultivators in the areas while they strongly advise all concerned to respect and acknowledge the status-quo of Mt. Koubru where any community of the state, irrespective of caste, creed and faith can visit and trek for any respectable rituals or programmes,” it stated.
It also stated that no platform or community should try to claim ownership of Mt. Koubru, based on a particular religion or faith which may amount to religious based misunderstandings and disharmony in the state and Sadar-Hills in particular, it added.
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