Desecration of Salai Taret flag act of provocation: AMUCO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 15 2025: All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has strongly condemned the desecration of the Salai Taret (Seven Clan) flag by armed miscreants suspected to be Kuki-Zo militants, warning that such provocative acts have the potential to derail ongoing peace efforts.

AMUCO also urged the government to publicly announce the actions it plans to take against the perpetrators, cautioning that inaction could jeopardise initiatives by the Centre to restore peace in the state.

Addressing the media at its Kwakeithel office on Monday, AMUCO president Ph Nando Luwang expressed grave concern over the recent viral video showing the desecration of the Seven-Salai flag, describing the act as a serious provocation that offends the sentiments of the indigenous communities of the state.

He declared that AMUCO is not an organisation confined to one community but one that represents all indigenous peoples of the state, and that it would not remain silent when acts aimed at destabilising communal harmony are committed.

Urging the government to publicly declare the steps it intends to take against those involved in the desecration, he noted the act was not just a provocation but a direct threat to the fragile peace process.

If the government fails to act, it could derail the talks initiated by the Government of India, Nando reiterated.

He pointed out that the Centre is fully aware of the turmoil that has gripped the state for nearly two years.

Though the Centre may have taken up various efforts to resolve the conflict, to the public, the April 5 dialogue stands as the only significant initiative from the Government of India so far.

While AMUCO welcomed this move, it expressed disappointment over the outright rejection of further talks by Kuki-Zo bodies and the government's apparent indifference toward provocative activities such as the recent flag desecration.

The Flag of Kangleipak or Salai Taret Flag is a rectangular seven coloured flag.

It represents the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of Ancient Manipur.

Red colour represents Mangang, White Luwang, Black Khuman, Yellow Angom, Red mixed with black represents Moirang, Purple represents Kha-Ngangba and Sky blue represents Salai-Leisangthem.

The width to length ratio of the flag should be 2:3.The flag is approved by the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board.

After careful analysis of the Puya, it has been determined that this flag symbolises the birth of Ibudhou Pakhangba's seven sons, who in turn represent the seven clans.

Each son was born at a distinct time of day, reflected in the colour scheme of the flag, inspired by the hues of the sun during their respective births.

This flag serves as a testament to the rich heritage and lineage of the people of Manipur, honouring the diverse identities within the community.

Since the colours are the result of several dyeing histories, they are more than just a 'flag'.

Nando questioned the government's silence, stating that the Centre must assert its legitimacy by enforcing the rule of law.

He noted that the Kuki-Zo community had earlier blocked the Union Home Minister's March 8 assurance of free movement in the state, yet the government had not taken any action, raising serious concerns about its commitment to upholding the Constitution.

Referring to the Governor's earlier appeal to surrender arms, the AMUCO president stated that the Meetei community had responded to the call by surrendering most of their weapons, but the Kuki-Zo community had openly defied the appeal and refused to surrender arms.

Shockingly, no action has been taken against this open defiance, raising serious questions on the sincerity of both the Governor and the Central government, he said and called on the centre to take stringent action to confiscate illegal weapons brought into the state from Myanmar.

Nando also highlighted the significance of sacred sites like Thangjing Hills, which he described as an essential annual pilgrimage site for the Meetei community.

These are not just religious sites but symbols of the identity of Meetei community.

The government should have ensured protection for such pilgrimages, but that has not been the case, he said, adding that even two months after the President's Rule, peace and normalcy are still absent in the state.

He said AMUCO had presented these concerns, and facts surrounding the history of Manipur and origin of the current crisis to officials of the MHA during the recent talks, debunking what he described as webs of lies' spun by the Kuki-Zo bodies.

Nando then reaffirmed AMUCO's commitment to dialogue and its belief, explaining that only sincere talks can pave the way for peace and stability in the state.

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