Shirui Lily fest set to return after 2 years amid tight security in restive Manipur
GUWAHATI: Manipur's
Shirui Lily fest
is set to return Tuesday after a two-year pause, signalling efforts toward peace in a state scarred by ethnic unrest.
The fest, set from May 20-24, celebrates the state flower Shirui Lily found only in
Shirui Hills
of Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district.
The fest marks the 75th anniversary of
Lilium mackliniae
's (Shirui Lily) recognition by Royal Horticultural Society London. It also serves as a litmus test for security in a region under President's rule.
Roughly 2,000 security personnel have been deployed, covering six venues across four villages, with multi-layered protection along the route passing through Kuki areas. Police launched heightened security measures after Meiteis planning to attend reported online threats from accounts allegedly linked to Kuki groups.
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