Amidst the celebration of Manipur’s state flower, the Shirui Lily Festival was marred by an act of provocation by the Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol, who raised flags and chanted communal slogans atop Shirui Hills, drawing sharp criticism from the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS).
BY PC Bureau
Ukhrul, Manipur, May 23, 2025 – The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), a prominent Naga student union has slammed the actions of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei armed militia, for raising flags and asserting dominance at Shirui Hills during the ongoing Shirui Lily Festival. The incident has sparked outrage among tribal communities, exacerbating ethnic tensions in Manipur.
In its official statement , TKS described the Shirui Lily Festival as “a solemn celebration of our rare endemic flower, our land, and the enduring spirit of the Tangkhul Naga people in particular.” The union emphasized that the festival “embodies peace, ecological consciousness, and cultural pride amidst a state long affected by ethnic unrest.” However, TKS expressed dismay over what it called “an act of grave provocation specifically by a faction identifying itself as the Cobra Team – Unit 58 affiliated with the Arambai Tenggol, and shouted slogan laced with communal undertones atop Shirui peak.”
The TKS statement highlighted the symbolic significance of the act, noting that “the deliberate political symbolism, of the Nagas, while asserting territorial and ideological dominance far beyond the confines of the Imphal Valley, is nothing short of an attempt to disrupt peace and the neutral stand of the Nagas.” The union firmly rejected the militia’s actions, stating, “The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) issues an unambiguous condemnation of this reckless and inflammatory act. We will not tolerate any attempts to politicize our sacred spaces or challenge the historical and cultural ownership of our land.”
_Office of the_
*TANGKHUL KATAMNAO SAKLONG (TKS)*
(Tangkhul Students’ Union)*PRESS STATEMENT*
23rd May, 2025*Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) official Statement on the Shirui Lily Festival Incident (Meitei Seven-colored Flag at Shirui Peak).*
*TAMREICHAN KEISHING* pic.twitter.com/S0T3QzrZko
— Eongyoo kips (@Eongyoo12345) May 23, 2025
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TKS further asserted the rights of the Tangkhul Naga people, declaring, “The Tangkhul Naga people have never and will never accept any imposed symbols, flags, or slogans that undermine our identity and rights.” The statement directly addressed the Arambai Tenggol’s raising of the seven-colored Meitei flag, which TKS said “categorically reject the view held by certain individuals that the seven-colored Meitei flag represents the collective will of Manipur.” Instead, TKS labeled the act as “a calculated provocation” and issued “a stern and final warning,” cautioning that “any repetition of this kind of intrusion and political posturing will face strong consequences.”
The union also called for unity and reflection, urging, “Let this be understood by all: The peace of the hills must not be disturbed under the guise of festivity or unity.” TKS concluded by appealing to “all responsible citizens and organizations to reflect seriously on this incident and ensure that such divisive acts are never repeated in the future,” emphasizing the need for “peace, justice, and the genuine spirit of co-existence.”
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred during the four-day Shirui Lily Festival, which began on May 20, 2025, 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. Shirui Hills, a culturally significant site for the Naga community, became the focal point of controversy when Arambai Tenggol Unit 58, also known as the “Cobra Unit,” ascended the peak on May 23, 2025, and declared that “Manipur belongs only to the Meitei community,” raising flags in a provocative display.
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The militia was able to reach Ukhrul only due to a temporary relaxation of movement restrictions by Kuki-Zo groups, who control access to the Naga-dominated region through strategic territories. Kuki-Zo leaders had previously expressed concerns about allowing Meitei groups unrestricted passage, warning it could be exploited to assert dominance. A prominent Kuki leader stated, “Our apprehensions have come true. This is exactly why we generally do not allow them to cross into our territory under any pretext.”
