A viral photograph ignites controversy in Manipur, showing Assam Rifles recruits posing with a flag of Zomo Revolutionary Army. While Meitei groups cry foul over national integrity, Zomi voices defend it as cultural symbolism.
BY PC Bureau
May 20, 2025: A controversy has erupted in Manipur following the circulation of a contentious photograph showing recruits of the Assam Rifles posing with the flag of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) during what appears to be a passing-out parade.
The image, which surfaced online on May 18, 2025, has ignited widespread condemnation, particularly from Meitei organizations who view the display as a serious breach of neutrality and a threat to national integrity.
But the Zomi community has vehemently questioned what they perceive as an attempt to malign the sanctity of their “nationalist” flag. They have also sharply criticized the Assam Rifles for allegedly turning a blind eye to similar displays by Meitei groups, specifically mentioning the Salai Taret flag. This perceived double standard has further inflamed the already volatile ethnic tensions in the region and has cast a shadow over the neutrality of the Assam Rifles amidst Manipur’s ongoing and deeply divisive conflict.
Incident and Official Response
The photograph, which surfaced online on May 18, 2025, depicts 21 men in Assam Rifles uniforms holding what appears to be the ZRA flag during a ceremonial event. The ZRA, a transnational group with ties to the Chin-Kuki communities, is based primarily in Myanmar.
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In response, the Assam Rifles issued a statement on May 19, stating:
“The authenticity of the photograph is being verified. Based on confirmation, suitable disciplinary action will be initiated against all the defaulters. Assam Rifles remains committed to maintaining the ethos of the force.”
Despite the assurance, the statement has done little to assuage concerns, with communities accusing the force of institutional bias.
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Meitei Heritage Society’s Strong Condemnation:
Leading Meitei organization, the Meitei Heritage Society, has reacted with strong condemnation to the photograph. A spokesperson for the society issued a firm statement, articulating deep concerns regarding the implications of the incident.
We strongly denounce the recent biased post by the Assam Rifles on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the Zomi community flag. This post is not only unjust but also highlights a troubling double standard in how ethnic communities in the region are treated. The Zomi flag serves as a… pic.twitter.com/BzkhGuyhUD
— Lianbawi (@the_singtangpa) May 19, 2025
“We welcome the Assam Rifles’ decision to investigate the deeply troubling incident involving young recruits posing with the flag of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), a Chin-Kuki militant group led by former Myanmar MP Thanglianpao Guite, during a passing out parade. This incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of the recruits, the neutrality of the force, and its broader implications for national security. Such ideology must be identified and nipped in the bud to preserve the integrity and impartiality of the Assam Rifles and all Indian security forces.”
The Meitei community has long accused the Assam Rifles of siding with Chin-Kuki groups in the conflict that began on May 3, 2023, and has since claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands. On X, user @IndianMeitei wrote:
“Indian Army Flag – NO, Assam Rifles Flag – NO, Indian Tricolor – NO, Zomi Revolutionary Army – YES. Is this a passing out parade of AR Trainees or ZRA/Kuki Militants?”
Zomi Response: “It’s Our Cultural Symbol”
Members of the Zomi community pushed back, arguing the flag is a symbol of ethnic identity, not militancy.
One X user @BeinG_Tribal posted a collage of pictures in which the Meitie Salai Taret flag is being displayed by Navy cadres.
“One flag is called pride, the other ‘misconduct’? Justice doesn’t work like that. Apply the law equally or admit the bias,” the post said.
Another X user @the_singtangpa posted: “We strongly denounce the recent biased post by the Assam Rifles on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the Zomi community flag. This post is not only unjust but also highlights a troubling double standard in how ethnic communities in the region are treated. The Zomi flag serves as a cultural and ethnic symbol, embodying the history, resilience, and identity of the Zomi people—who are proud citizens of India. It is neither a political nor a secessionist symbol and has never been used to challenge the nation’s sovereignty.”
The user also criticized the Assam Rifles for ignoring similar displays by Meitei groups, such as the Salai Taret flag, which some associate with secessionist leanings.
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” Furthermore, it is concerning that the Assam Rifles and other security agencies remain silent and inactive in response to actual secessionist displays, particularly the open public display of the Salai Taret flag by Meitei secessionist groups, who have expressed anti-national sentiments and engaged in actions that threaten India’s unity and territorial integrity. The selective scrutiny and biased narrative from the Assam Rifles raise significant concerns about institutional bias and unequal treatment under the pretext of national security.. ”
