No restrictions on pilgrims: COPPK ; Bridge to Mt Koubru demolished
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 14 2021: Even as the intense stand off between the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mt Koubru (COPPK) and security forces continued for the second day today, a concrete bridge along a PMGSY road leading to the mountain peak was seen demolished this morning.

The bridge is suspected to have been demolished by the protesting locals though the bridge was already half damaged during last year's heavy rain.

The stand off was between the security forces and locals of Saitu Gamphazol area, Leikot area, Saparmeina area, Tujang area, Khengjang area including chiefs of the said areas under the aegis of COPPK which is mandated by SAHILCA, Kuki Inpi and CSOs Kangpokpi.

Bridge to Mt Koubru demolished

However, no untoward incidents have been reported till the time of filing this report.

In connection with the closure of all entry points of Mt Koubru as announced by the COPPK, the Committee clarified that it did not mention restriction on pilgrims on religious purposes and added that not a single pilgrim has been denied entry till today.

The restriction was imposed only on the survey team and any agency or department accompanying the survey team for security purposes or whatsoever, it further clarified.

COPPK stated that it had earlier made its stand clear to all that the religious status quo must be maintained by all as Mt Koubru is for all Lords, not just Lord Koubru and it will not in any manner allow or agree on any terms and conditions to erect any structure based on Church, Temple or Mosque at Mt Koubru and similarly any structure with hidden agenda.

The committee said that it had also clearly stated that Mt.

Koubru should not become a 'bone of contention and contestation' irrespective of caste, creed, language and faith for peace and harmony but the Government has abruptly made it a bone of contention and contestation now.

It further clarified that the bridge that was reportedly damaged had already been badly demolished by the flood last year and it had become very difficult even for four wheeler vehicles to navigate over it, though the local people renovated it in their capacity.

Further damage of the bridge might be out of public anger owing to the atitude of the Government, it said and added that it was not an intention to disturb or restrict pilgrims on religious trek.

Meanwhile, a joint meeting was held again today at Saitu with the Police Department and the protesting locals in the presence of two ADGPs, SP Kangpokpi, Addl SP (Ops) and Addl SP (LO) Kangpokpi, DFO from the part of Government side and SAHILCA, COPPK and leaders of CSOs Kangpokpi.

According to the COPPK, the meeting finally agreed that both parties will maintain status quo till talks with Chief Minister, which means the security forces and other concerned department officials shall not attempt to climb Mt.

Koubru and the protesting locals as well shall cease their agitation.

It was also resolved that talks with Chief Minister shall be initiated at the earliest on the part of the Police Department.

However, COPPK wondered as to how the official objections submitted to the department concerned have not reached the table of Chief Minister even though it is a sensitive issue.