Forcible restriction on visiting sacred Thangjing violation of freedom of religion, slams BJP MP

BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on Wednesday said restrictions imposed by some groups on visiting Thangjing, a sacred site for Meiteis, is a violation of freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution.

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He said it would be hard for Meiteis to tolerate such restrictions for long as Thangjing has religious and cultural significance for the community.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, the MP, who is also a member of the former royal family of Manipur said, "Peace process between the two sides has already been initiated by the Centre. At such a time when there is an understanding to restore peace, such fresh developments (restriction on visiting Thangjing) are unfortunate." "The Centre can and should take relevant steps. If armed miscreants and some obstinate organisations are allowed to do whatever they want, it would be difficult to achieve peace and it would disturb normalcy,” he said.