Mount Koubru and its ramification in maintaining communal harmony in Manipur

Mathiupuang Gonmei
Mount Koubru is one of the highest mountains in Manipur. Mount Koubru Peak is located in  Kangpokpi District (Sadar Hills) of Manipur and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Manipur. Its elevation is 2,562 m (8,406 ft) from Mean Sea Level. Barely 25 Km away from the capital city of Imphal and National High Way No. 39 running through the foot hills, Mount Koubru will continue to be the most sought-after religious pilgrimage site and nature lovers for the people of Manipur.
The holy Mount, Koubru, also originally called as “Kabuilua”, literally means the habitat of the Mithuns according to Zeliangrong dialect as retold for ages.  Kabuilua, Kabuirua, Kapuiru and Koubru as some slight variations took place on the sands of time. According to Zeliangrong legends, most of the indigenous people of Manipur including the Meiteis originated from this place. We might have immigrated from elsewhere but Mount Koubru and its surroundings were the first site where the indigenous people of Manipur began to settle down. From here, the people began to disperse by and by to greener pastures. It is said that once upon a time the whole Imphal valley was filled with water. When the water began to recede gradually some of the people went down towards the low land. It is believed that Kanglatongbi was the first capital of King Kangba somewhere Before Christ (BC). Many scholars believe that the terms, Kangla, Kangleipak, etc. must have got some connection with the ancient Kanglatongbi.
Across centuries,people began to settle in large numbers in Imphal Valley as the water receded and the land dried up gradually. The first historical king of Manipur, Pakhangba was said to have ruled somewhere in 33 AD. The rest of the people particularly the Zeliangrongs stayed back in and around mount Koubru for much longer period. After sometime many people again dispersed from this site. However, a good number of Zeliangrong people stayed back in these areas till now. In first half of the 19th Century AD andmore in recent times other communities also began to flock in this mountain ranges and foothills.
One unique thing about this Mount Koubru is that whoever came to settle or visit this place takes cognizance of the fact that this Mount Koubru is a sacred place or is the abode of the God by whatever name they may identify. According to Zeliangrong legend, Mount Koubru is the abode of Tingpurengsonang, the Earthly King-God who is said to have seven brothers. It is said that he was the patriarch of the joint dormitory of Gods and human beings at Kuiren village. Legend says that Tingpurengsonang built Tarengki, the divine house of merit & feasting which was organized in honour of the host that stands tall as the mountain. The Koubru Peak is considered as the house top and the sloppy ranges being the part and partial of the house. After sometime there was a bitter fight between the Gods and human beings. So, the patriarch got them separated to end the fight. Thus, this is how the domains of the gods and humans got separated once and for all.
According to the mythology of ancient Meiteis, Mount Koubru is connected with the study of cosmology as well as human body. Mount Koubru is considered the head of the body. It is believed that many letters of ancient Meetei Mayek including the letter "Ear" reads as “Na” still exist atop this mountain. Mount Koubru is believed to be the abode of god Lainingthou Koubru and Goddess Kounu since ancient times in Meitei mythology. The literature and culture of Meiteis are closely related with this holy Mountain. Lord Lainingthou Koubru is the protector deity of the Northern Kanglei world. He lives with his consort Goddess Kounu and their sacred animal Shamu Laishaa Angouba, the White Elephant.
Mount Koubru, therefore, is beyond doubt the holy mountain for the people of Manipur. In view of the historical and religious significance of the Mount Koubru, it is imperative on the part of every citizen of Manipur to preserve and protect the pristine ecology of Mount Koubru so that its historical and religious sanctity is maintained for all times to come. To preserve and protect Mount Koubru, the following seven suggestions are proposed for consideration:
(1)   Indigenous communities of Manipur must collectively own this Mount Koubru which is a common heritage.
(2)   No obstacle of any kind should be posed by any community on communal lines from performing religious rituals and nobody should be stopped from coming for pilgrimage to Mount Koubru.
(3)   No individual or organization/community should claim exclusive rights over this holy Mountain.
(4)   No human (community or State sponsored) activities should be allowed in and around Mount Koubru which will disturb the ecological balance and cause deforestation or any kind of pressure on the fragile ecology.
(5)   The State Government should play pro-active role to ensure that this holy Mountain is accessible to every indigenous community of Manipur for religious and cultural rites or rituals practiced since ancient days.
(6) All other places of historical and religious significance such as Kangla, Nongmaiching (Baruni) Hill and Thangjing Hill, Moirang-Loktak, etc. should be declared as heritage sites by the State Government by passing/amending necessary laws in this regard with proper consultation with all the stakeholders. For instance, Thangjing Hill is closely associated with Khamba-Thoibi and Kabui Salang Maiba (Parapu) which has deep rooted historical significance in the history of Manipur.
(7) All the indigenous communities of Manipur should join hands in preserving and fostering the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. Above all, Manipur should leave behind all internal distractions and lead the way in fostering strong regional fraternity of North East people and strive for genuine federal system and assert for a rightful place in the Union of India.   
In an effort to preserve and protect the fragile ecology of Mount Koubru and its surrounding areas, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh has taken a historic venture by carrying out mass tree plantation on the occasion of 72nd Van Mahotsav on 5th July, 2021in Mount Koubru Range. Such initiative will definitely strengthen the efforts to preserve and protect not only Mount Koubru but also go a long way in preserving the common heritage of Manipur and promote communal harmony in the State.
As far as promoting communal harmony is concerned, the BJP led Government under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri N. Biren Singh has been doing an excellent job. Before the BJP led Government came to power in Manipur, the State was plagued with bandhs, strikes, economic blockades and communal disharmony. As soon as he took over the helms of affairs, the Hon’ble CM earnestly reached out to the hill people and the affected sections of the society in particular with a healing touch. Amazingly, the result was exceptionally good by his cautious handling of the situation. The more than one-year Churchandpur impasse was immediately resolved and the fallen brothers were given the rightful last honour. Other seemingly unending conflicts rocking the State died down and bandhs, strikes, economic blockades etc. became things of the past. Therefore, the State Government’s efforts under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble CM to restore peace and communal harmony should be supported by all responsible citizens if Manipur has to see the light of the day. The writer is Former Asstt. Registrar, IGNOU & is now a Social Worker