Ahead of the five-day Shirui Lily festival in Manipur starting May 20, authorities have implemented extensive security measures along the 80-km route connecting Imphal and Ukhrul. A senior officer confirmed ongoing vehicle checks and patrols in the area.
Security has been heightened following threats from a few Kuki organizations directed at the Meitei community, which plans to attend the state-level 5th Shirui Lily festival. This annual event celebrates the Shirui Lily, the state flower found in the hilly regions of Ukhrul district, predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga community.
Officials from the Tourism department and other sectors are already present at various venues across the district. Additionally, security measures have been established along the route from Yaingangpokpi to Litan via Mahadev, encompassing several Kuki villages. Both central and state security forces are deployed in Ukhrul district, with further reinforcements expected during the festival from May 20 to May 24.
Wireless communication tests have been conducted in the hilly terrain to ensure rapid response capabilities, while volunteers from the Tangkhul Naga community are assisting security personnel to safeguard tourists arriving from Imphal. The Manipur Police recently stated that they are taking threats to the Meitei community seriously and are investigating them thoroughly.
In a statement, police assured that necessary precautions are in place to ensure the safety of festival attendees. Since May 2023, over 260 individuals have lost their lives, and thousands have become homeless due to ethnic violence between the Meitei community from the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo groups predominant in the hills.
The central government imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13 after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The assembly, which is supposed to serve until 2027, has been put on hold.
