In Manipur, fresh tension has arisen after the Manipur government filed an FIR against the Kuki National Front – Military Council, or KNF-MC, for allegedly setting up a gate on the Thangjing hill range. This area is considered sacred to the Meitei community and is protected under state law.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that the Kuki group's actions violated the Manipur Names of Places Act, of 2024, and the Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1976. The renaming of the site by the KNF-MC has caused significant outrage among the Meitei community.
The Manipur cabinet had previously included this site, along with others, under legal protection to prevent encroachments. The central government has been informed of the situation, and security forces are closely monitoring the developments.
This move by the armed group is seen as an act of hostility, potentially escalating tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities.