Archive · 25 May 2025
Meitei Group Disputes Provocation Claims in Shirui Flag Controversy
Some people from the Meitei group put up their flag on a hill during a festival.
Others, the Tangkhul Naga people, got upset because they felt it was disrespectful and that it was an attempt to take their land.
The Meitei group says it was just to show support for their traditions and that people misunderstood what they were doing.
They believe some people are trying to cause trouble between the groups.
The Tangkhul Naga people see it as a threat to their land and culture.
They are asking for an apology and say they will not allow their sacred spaces to be disrespected.
Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organization, denies claims of provocation after displaying the seven-colored flag on Shirui peak.
The group attributes misunderstandings to misleading social media content, urging verification of sources.
Tangkhul Naga organizations, including the TKS, condemned the flag display as disrespectful and provocative.
The Shirui Lily Festival is a celebration of the Tangkhul Naga people and their territory.
GPRN's Wung-Tangkhul Region demanded a public apology from Arambai Tenggol within 48 hours.
- Who
- Arambai Tenggol (Meitei), Tangkhul Naga organizations, and the GPRN's Wung-Tangkhul Region
- What
- Display of the Meitei's seven-colored flag by Arambai Tenggol, leading to controversy and condemnation.
- When
- Friday night
- Where
- Shirui Hill, Ukhrul district, Manipur
- Why
- Disagreement over the display of the Meitei flag during the Shirui Lily Festival, perceived as provocation.
Tangkhul Naga Perspective
Meitei Perspective
Flag Display
Tangkhul Naga Perspective
Views flag display as symbolic aggression and intrusion.
Meitei Perspective
Views flag display as cultural continuity and support, not territorial claim or provocation.
Festival Purpose
Tangkhul Naga Perspective
Sees the festival as a solemn celebration of their land and culture that's been disrupted.
Meitei Perspective
Views festival as a platform to display and support Meitei traditions peacefully.
Territorial Claims
Tangkhul Naga Perspective
Views the display as an attempt to politicize and challenge the ownership of their land.
Meitei Perspective
Maintains that displaying the flag signifies cultural continuity, not confrontation.
- Event
- Shirui Lily Festival
- Location of Incident
- Shirui Hill, Ukhrul district, Manipur
- Groups Involved
- Arambai Tenggol, TKS, GPRN's Wung-Tangkhul Region
- Disputed Symbol
- Meitei's seven-colored flag (Salai Taret)
- Tangkhul Naga Flag
- Sky-blue Naga flag