GUWAHATI: A controversy erupted in Manipur over the “hoisting” of the Meitei flag atop the Shirui peak in Ukhrul, allegedly by Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol, during the ongoing Shirui Lily festival in the Naga-majority district.
Ukhrul is the home to Tangkhul Nagas who revere the Shirui Hill.
Major rivers in the region originate from the Shirui peak, located at an altitude of 2,835 metres. The festival is a solemn celebration of Manipur’s state flower Shirui Lily.
In a viral video, a group of youth can be seen holding the flag and heard chanting slogans including ‘long live Manipur.’ The place could not be ascertained.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) said it was an utterly “disgraceful and despicable” attempt by Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the festival for petty and dirty political gains at a wrong place and time.
The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, apex body of Tangkhul students, said the festival embodies peace, ecological consciousness and cultural pride.“It is, therefore, an act of grave provocation that individuals, reportedly affiliated with the Arambai Tenggol, specifically a faction identifying itself as the Cobra Team – Unit 58, hoisted the Meitei flag…” the student body said.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) lamented that Arambai Tenggol courted a controversy with an unfounded narrative.
The NSCN-IM said the “Salai Taret” flag has no connection with the Tangkhuls in any manner; culturally, historically or politically. It demanded an apology within 48 hours from the Meitei radical group for its “unwarranted intrusion" at Shirui peak and “hoisting” the flag in an area “that is far from their socio-religious jurisdiction.”
A statement, purportedly issued by Arambai Tenggol Unit 58 and circulating on social media, urged the Tangkhul students’ body to examine the context of the video with care. It said the slogans are messages of love and they do not disrespect or threaten any community.
“The valley of Manipur, and the people of Arambai Tenggol, embrace and honour the spirit of peaceful co-existence among all indigenous communities who respect the unity and integrity of Manipur,” the statement further stated.