During the Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol sparked outrage by asserting ethnic ownership over Manipur atop the sacred Shirui Hills. Tribal leaders have condemned the act, calling it an assault on indigenous dignity.
BY PC Bureau
May 23, 2025 – Cadres of Arambai Tenggol, a controversial Meitei outfit, reportedly ascended Shirui Hills in Ukhrul district on Friday, May 23 and declared that “Manipur belongs only to the Meitei community.” The group, identified as Arambai Tenggol Unit 58, also known as the “Cobra Unit,” reportedly raised flags during the event. Shirui Hills, a culturally significant site in a Naga-dominated region, is renowned for the rare Shirui lily and hosts the annual Shirui Lily Festival. The provocative act has drawn sharp criticism from tribal leaders, including voices on the X platform, amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Details of the Incident
The ascent of Shirui Hills by Arambai Tenggol allegedly took place on the third day of the ongoing four-day Shirui Lily Festival, starting May 20 celebrating the 75th anniversary of Manipur’s state flower, the Shirui lily. Organized by the Manipur Department of Tourism, the festival aims to promote cultural unity and tourism in Ukhrul, a Naga-majority district. The Meitei outfit has so far not commented on the incident, but a post attributed to its Cobra Unit is doing the round on social media.
The Arambai Tenggol cadres were able to reach Ukhrul and scale the Shirui hills because of a temporary relaxation granted by the Kuki-Zo groups, who control access to the Naga-dominated region through several strategic pockets of their territory.
Dear Hon’ble Governor @BhallaAjay26 ji, it has come to our notice that Arambai Tenggol Unit 58 (Cobra Unit) has unfurled terrorist flags at Shirui Hills. We request that you ask @manipur_police to take stringent action against them immediately. @PMOIndia @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/XHwjLd5tJp
— Chhotubhai Vasava (@Chhotu_Vasava) May 23, 2025
Kuki-Zo leaders had earlier expressed strong reservations about allowing Meitei groups unrestricted movement through their areas, warning that it could be used to assert dominance rather than promote peace.
“Our apprehensions have come true,” said a prominent Kuki leader. “This is exactly why we generally do not allow them to cross into our territory under any pretext.”
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However, the militia’s declaration of Meitei exclusivity over Manipur has intensified tensions in a state grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023. The conflict, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people, according to official reports.
Arambai Tenggol is under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for multiple cases involving violence, arms loot, arson, and rioting. The group is accused of looting thousands of weapons from state armories during the initial months of the 2023 violence.
To whom it may concern
The infamous #ArambaiTenggol has boldly unfurled their terrorist flag atop the shirui hills. I wonder what would the tangkhuls make of this moves. @ukhrultimes @tangkhulonline @Tangkhu @tangkhulnews @ashang_kasar @Shiruilily_lf pic.twitter.com/WQqSw26YEk— Mike Lalneo Haokip (@miketlhkip) May 23, 2025
Reactions from Tribal Leaders on X
The incident at Shirui Hills drew condemnation from tribal leaders on the X platform. @Chhotu_Vasava, a tribal leader and Congress MLA from Gujarat, posted, “The act of Arambai Tenggol climbing Shirui Hills and claiming Manipur for one community is a dangerous provocation. It disrespects the Naga people and undermines the unity of Manipur’s diverse communities. Central and state authorities must act swiftly to prevent further escalation.” His statement reflects concern over the militia’s actions threatening inter-community harmony.
Similarly, @miketlhkip, a vocal tribal advocate, stated, “Arambai Tenggol’s stunt at Shirui Hills is an insult to the Naga community and all indigenous groups in Manipur. This is not just a land claim; it’s an attack on our shared identity. The government’s silence is deafening.” The post highlights the perceived affront to indigenous rights and calls for accountability.
Arambai Tenggol has been a significant actor in Manipur’s ethnic conflict, claiming to protect Meitei interests but facing accusations of violence against Kuki-Zo and Naga communities. On January 24, 2024, the group summoned Meitei legislators to Kangla Fort in Imphal, securing their pledge to support demands including border fencing with Myanmar, implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year, and revocation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki-Zo groups.
On February 27, 2025, Arambai Tenggol surrendered 246 weapons to the 1st Manipur Rifles in Imphal, following negotiations with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who extended a deadline for voluntary arms surrender to March 6, 2025. The group’s demands included amnesty for its members and assurances against attacks by Kuki-Zo groups.
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The militia’s history includes a November 1, 2023, incident where members, led by Korounganba Khuman, allegedly fired on police in Imphal East and proceeded toward Imphal West, resulting in an NIA case. On October 31, 2024, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), accused Arambai Tenggol Unit-18 of torturing two Poumai Naga youths in Imphal, an incident condemned by Tangkhul Naga Long President Sword Vashum as a “direct affront to the Naga community.”
Manipur Police have increased security in Ukhrul following the Shirui Hills incident, with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) conducting patrols to prevent potential violence. No arrests related to the event have been reported as of May 23, 2025. The state, under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, continues to face challenges in curbing militia activities.
The Shirui Hills incident coincides with heightened security for the Shirui Lily Festival. Manipur Police dismissed earlier threats attributed to a purported “Kuki Zo Village Volunteer – Eastern Zone” as baseless, ensuring safe passage for festival attendees.
