Security beefed up for Shirui Lily festival
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, May 19 2025: Ukhrul district administration has beefed up security measures for all tourists, visitors, and participants attending the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival, scheduled to commence from May 20 .

To ensure safety and smooth proceedings, heightened security protocols will be in effect from morning until midnight throughout the festival, according to a public order issued by ADC Polly Makan on Monday.

The order advised visitors to plan their journeys to and from Ukhrul via Yaingangpokpi between 8 am and 4 pm, informing that for those arriving after 4 pm, security personnel will be on hand to provide escort services.

Security beefed up for Shirui Lily festival

However, no movement of visitors will be allowed after 12 pm to maintain safety and order during the festival, it said and urged all attendees to adhere to the guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival experience.

In case of emergencies or for any assistance, the Ukhrul Police Control Room can be contacted via call or WhatsApp on 8730090890 & the district administration via Helpline No 9612937541 / 8974074561 /8787534504, it added.

As a part of elaborate security arrangements along with the 80-km stretch between Imphal and Ukhrul town to ensure smooth conduct of the five-day festival, vehicle checking and patrolling are being conducted.

According to a senior police officer, security has been beefed up after threats by a few Kuki organisations were given to the Meetei community people who were planning to attend the Shirui Lily festival.

The 5-day programme is held in honour of the state flower Shirui Lily, which is found in the hills of the Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district.

Several officials from Tourism and other departments have already reached venues in the district, he said.

Adequate security arrangements have also been made along the stretch from Yaingangpokpi to Litan via Mahadev, where there are a few Kuki villages, the police officer said.

Both central and state forces are in place to ensure security in Ukhrul district, he said, adding that additional deployment would be made during the festival period from May 20 to 24.Tests have also been conducted to determine the range of wireless communication in the hilly areas to ensure immediate reinforcements in case of any requirement, another official said.

Volunteers from the Tangkhul Naga community have also been assisting security forces to ensure the safety of tourists from Imphal.

The Manipur police had on Sunday said that threats to the Meetei community people, who are planning to attend the festival, are being taken seriously and inquired into promptly.

The police, in a statement, said that precautionary measures are in place to ensure the security of the movement of people attending the Shirui festival.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meeteis and Kuki-Zo groups, who are the majority in the hill areas, since May 2023.The Centre imposed President's rule in the state on February 13 after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister.

The assembly, which has tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

(With inputs from PTI) .