Protect Koubro calls rung out
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2021: Disturbances at Koubru mountain is a crime against humanity and Lord Koubru, an incarnation of the Supreme God (Taibang Semba Mapu), said several organisations appealing for conservation and protection of the sacred site.

In a joint statement, Federation of Haomee, International Meetei Forum, Kabui Union Manipur and People's Action for New Development Steps said the tense environment surrounding the Koubru may cause serious strain in the State if not diffused on time.

The Meetei people adopted Hinduism during the period of King Pamheiba (1709 AD to 1748 AD), whereas the hill people (present people like Naga and Khongsai or Kuki) were baptised into Christianity by William Pettigrew, a missionary of American Baptist Mission starting 1894 at Ukhrul.

He (William Pettigrew) was successful in preaching Christianity at Ukhrul, especially among the Tangkhul people as well as in the remote areas of Manipur.

In the interiors areas like Chassad, especially Khongsai/Kuki were baptised into Christianity by William Pettigrew and Angom Purum Singh, son of Angom Thambou Singh, of Phayeng village.

Even king Bodhachandra (1941 AD-1955 AD), who practised Vaisnavism of Hinduism, did not give up following the old religious belief and tradition of paying homage to Lord Koubru, said the joint statement.

Likewise the sacred altars of the Koubru mountain are related with the oral traditions of Kapuis, Maos, Marams, Koms, Koirengs, Chiru, Chothe etc.

According to Kapuis belief and traditions, Kapuilu, the head of the Kapuis settled in the Koubru and came to be known as Kapuiluching, later it came to be called as the Koubruching or Mount Koubru.

Thus, Koireng people also inhabited the Koubru mountain and they worshipped Koubru in the belief that they are protected by Laningthou Koubru.

It is also a tradition that those who settled in and around Koubru mountain chain like Mao, Maram and other people also worshipped Lord Koubru, they said.

Historical sites or monuments which are 100 years old or more are protected under Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976.The Government should protect and preserve the site according to the rule of law and it should be respected by civilized citizens, the organisations said.

Meanwhile, the United All Communities' Social Up-Lifters, Kangleipak has also appealed to the Government to look into the situation unfolding regarding the sacred Koubru site and urged all communities to refrain from disturbing the site.

All communities should respect the aged belief and tradition surrounding Koubru and any group or community should not try to misrepresent Koubru and history associated with the indigenous people of Manipur, it said in a statement.

While speaking to media persons, Thangmeiband United Club president Pratap Leishangthem has also appealed communities concerned not to disturb Kourbru and prohibit any section of people from entering the sacred site.

No individual or community should be stopped from entering the sacred site at Koubru.

Communities or groups concerned should not take decisions regarding the Koubru mountain that may hinder peace, he said.

He also appealed to the people to maintain peace and urged the Government to take up steps to protect the sacred site.

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