Amid fragile peace in Manipur, NSCN (I-M) warns against reckless rhetoric from Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol that could reignite ethnic hostilities with the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.
BY PC Bureau
NSCN (I-M) Warns Arambai Tenggol Against Provocative Remarks, Urges Maturity Over Shirui Lily Dispute
The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) has issued a strong warning to the valley-based Meitei militia group Arambai Tenggol, cautioning against reckless and provocative statements that could reignite further ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Referring to the May 20 incident at Shirui Hill—where Arambai Tenggol allegedly intruded and hoisted the ‘Salai Taret’ flag—the NSCN (I-M) urged the group to act with restraint and responsibility. The incident has sparked outrage among the Tangkhul community, who see the act as a breach of socio-religious boundaries.
In a statement on Monday, the NSCN (I-M) acknowledged the current sensitive climate in Manipur and called for a “perfectly sensible” resolution to the tensions caused by Arambai Tenggol’s “provocative statement on the ownership of Shirui Lily.”
“Let us go for maturity and handle the issue more objectively,” the group stated. “Be responsible enough not to create anything that dampens the social environment. Be mindful of the dangers of taking wrong steps in sensitive places.”
Manipur: Now that Tangkhuls & it’s insurgents NSCN-IM have given warning to Arambai & demanded an apology for the incursion in Ukhrul, Meitei Terrorists overground group COCOMI is trying all means to divert that. People shouldn’t fall for this drama 🚨 @HMOIndia @RajBhavManipur https://t.co/VGCleTwRsm pic.twitter.com/eUWvBhJx6w
— Thangboi Aimol (@AimolThangboi_) May 26, 2025
The NSCN (I-M) noted that the atmosphere of ethnic conflict remains volatile and warned that impulsive actions or remarks could trigger further unrest. “Anything done or uttered without historical context is not acceptable to the Tangkhuls,” the statement read. “This only invites troublemakers on social media to fish in troubled waters.”
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Referring to the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei community—whom Arambai Tenggol represents—and the Kuki-Zo community, the NSCN (I-M) stated that there is a pressing responsibility not to provoke further tensions through reckless and impulsive statements.
The group has already expressed disappointment that Arambai Tenggol has not responded to the unqualified apology demanded by the Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) of the GPRN. “Ignoring this demand reflects a lack of socio-political courtesy and ethical standards,” the NSCN (I-M) added.
Earlier, the WTR had accused Arambai Tenggol of being war-mongers following the May 20 incident and demanded an apology within 48 hours, claiming the flag hoisting was an unwarranted intrusion into Tangkhul territory.
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The NSCN (I-M) concluded with a call for peaceful co-existence, integrity, and social responsibility, urging all communities to avoid stoking further tensions in the already fragile region.
