Wouldn't tolerate disturbance to Shirui festival: NSCN to KZW-EZ
Source: Chronicle News Service / NNN
Imphal, May 14 2025:
The Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) of the NSCN-IM has taken strong exception to the May 11 press communique issued by the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteer Eastern Zone (KZW-EZ), which warned the Meetei community against accessing or entering Kuki-Zo villages to participate in the ensuing Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
"We appreciate the expression of best wishes towards the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival as expected from all organisations, which 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," said the WTR of the NSCN-IM, adding, "Connected with this festival, it helps bring awareness of the environment and local cultures of the Tangkhul Naga community and other Naga communities" .
The WTR then said, "What has really caught our attention is the message the KZW-EZ is trying to convey indicating that certain villages in Ukhrul areas inhabited by the Kukis are part of the Kukiland" .
Terming the KZW-EZ stand as not only outrageous but provocative as well, the WTR cautioned that the "NSCN shall not tolerate" if KZW-EZ makes any wild attempt to disturb the streaming tourists targeting any particular community travelling to Ukhrul/Shirui village.
"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 WTR of the NSCN-IM added.
It also stated that any such "misconceived" message floated in print media and social media platforms will be construed as direct challenge to the NSCN in particular and to the Nagas in general.
Though no formal press release has been issued to the media, social media posts referred to a statement by the Kuki Zo Village Volunteers-Eastern Zone (KZW-EZ) prohibiting any individual from the Meetei community from entering or accessing Kuki villages or territories in Manipur.
The restrictions include attending the fifth edition of the Shirui Lily Festival, scheduled from May 20 to 24 in Ukhrul district's Shirui village and other locations including Ukhrul town.
The statement issued by Information and publicity wing Eastern Zone-KZW directed the Meeteis to refrain from en tering or crossing the Kuki areas at any time, until the establishment of a separate administrative arrangement.
It also warned that any violation of the directive will be considered intentional, and individuals shall bear full responsibility for any consequences that may follow.
Further it stated that the Tangkhul Naga community will also understand and respect the gravity of the sentiments and the necessity of 'issuing this communique' during a critical time in the collective history.
The grand opening of the festival will be held at Shirui Village, the famed ShiRock at Bakshi Ground, and the cultural cum closing ceremony at Ukhrul Headquarters.
Manipur government has allocated Rs 6.30 crore for the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 to mark the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the rare Lily species, and transport arrangements from Imphal to Ukhrul have also been made for the participants.
Meanwhile, Tangkhul Naga social worker Asang Kashar condemned the warning by the Kuki group.
"This is directly a challenge to every citizen of Manipur and shows they (Kukis) are against peace, " Kashar said.
The Naga and the Kuki tribes have fought in the 90s; hundreds including women and children were killed.
The warning came while Manipur Director General of Police Rajiv Singh went to Ukhrul for two days to oversee security arrangements ahead of the Shirui Lily Festival.
Mention may be made that the Manipur State Transport has announced bus service timings from the state capital Imphal to Ukhrul from May 20 to 24 for those who want to visit the hill town for the Festival.
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