The Meitei group Arambai Tenggol has denied attempts to cause conflict by raising the Meitei flag with seven colours on the Shirui hill in Manipur after facing sharp criticism from the Tangkhul community. The student body, Tangkhul Katamnao Long (TKL), was one of the first groups to condemn the incident, which happened while the Shirui Lily Festival was ongoing in Ukhrul district.
Soon after a picture of Arambai Tenggol members in Meitei uniforms, holding flags and shouting slogans to celebrate Manipur, went viral online, the incident turned into a controversy. Manipur Stylish, a Facebook account, launched a new post with an image whose caption suggests a declaration of sorts. Here is what it said: “As the Arambai Tenggol, we lifted the SALAI TARET Flags to affirm that strength covers Arambai Tenggol everywhere in the nation. This land belongs to Manipur – no one else has the authority to make any claim here.”
When Tangkhul Naga communities learned of this message, they were outraged because they felt it was both disrespectful to their culture and their land. Arambai Tenggol responded on Saturday by acknowledging that social media platforms circulating false information had created unnecessary problems.
“It is unfortunate that the Tangkhul Katamnao Long has been duped by content on a Facebook page that is not accurate and reliable,” the organisation commented. It proposed that the public and stakeholders use verified facts when assessing issues of importance.
They explained that they acted to represent Manipur’s unity, rather than trying to divide the Meitei and Naga communities.
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