NSCN (IM) sees red over strictures issued by Kuki body for Shirui Lily Fest
No Kukiland in Naga territory at Ukhrul, asserts outfit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 14 2025: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has served a stern warning to the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers - Eastem Zone (KZW-EZ), vowing zero tolerance for any attempt to disrupt the Shirui Lily Festival by targeting a specific community.

The strong rebuke follows KZVV-EZ's decision to bar Meitei individuals from entering 'Kuki-Zo territories' to attend the festival, scheduled for May 20-24, 2025, in Ukhrul.

Notably, the KZW-EZ had extended greetings to the Tangkhul and Naga communities but placed a blanket ban on Meiteis by disregarding the earlier public advisory from the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) urging all communities to maintain peace during the festival.

NSCN (IM) sees red over strictures issued by Kuki body for Shirui Lily Fest

Moreover, the Kuki-Zo armed group warned Meiteis to take full responsibility for any consequences if they attempt to enter or pass through 'their areas' .

The Naga outfit, in a statement issued by Wung Tangkhul Region secretary NG Athot, asserted that NSCN (IM) will not tolerate if KZVV-EZ makes any wild attempt to disturb the streaming tourists targeting any particular community travelling to Ukhrul and Shirui village.

The NSCN (IM) also accused the KZVV-EZ of attempting to claim certain villages in Ukhrul inhabited by Kukis as part of "Kukiland", a move the Naga group deemed outrageous and provocative.

The NSCN (IM) message implies that the Kuki-Zo volunteers don't have the authority to dictate terms on Tangkhul Naga lands or restrict access to their cultural events, seeing the KZVV-EZ's actions as overstepping territorial boundaries and undermining Tangkhul Naga interest.

"Let this message be loud and clear that the territorial jurisdiction of the so-called Kukiland doesn't cover even an inch of Naga territory in Ukhrul areas," the Naga outfit said and asserted that any such 'misconceived message floated in print and social media will be construed as a direct challenge to them in particular and the Nagas in general.

The NSCN (IM), nonetheless, appreciated the expression of best wishes from KZW-EZ for the Shirui Festival 'as expected from all organisations who value the importance of awareness for the endangered and rare species Shirui Lily, the State flower of Manipur and the need to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the State'.

It also said that the festival helps bring awareness of the environment and local culture of the Tangkhul Naga community and other Naga communities.

Over Rs six crore has been allocated for the festival and Tourism Director, Pooja Elangbam, and DGP, Rajiv Singh had inspected the different venues set p for the Shirui Lily Festival.

Earlier, on May 8, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a meeting of the organizing committee of the Shirui Festival at Raj Bhavan with top officials in attendance.