Naga organisations slam radical group Arambai Tenggol for ‘hoisting' Meitei flag on Shirui peak
The Tangkhul Nagas revere the Shirui Hill, which is 97 km from the state capital, Imphal.
Most major rivers in the region originate from the crevices and slopes of Shirui Peak, located at an altitude of 2,835 metres. The festival is a solemn celebration of Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), which is Manipur's state flower, Tangkhul land and the enduring spirit of the community.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the five-day and state government-sponsored festival on May 20.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) said it was an utterly 'disgraceful and despicable' attempt by Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the festival for petty and dirty political gains at the wrong place and time.
'Do you even care to know that the Shirui Lily festival is a celebration dedicated to the truth of the inexplicable wonders of God's creations? That tiny, innocuous flower blossoming and blooming lusciously on a picturesque hilltop evokes so much of an aura and excitement,' said TNL president Sword Vashum said.
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