Latest news with #ShiruiLilyFestival2025
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Manipur guv takes chopper to Raj Bhavan as protests escalate
1 2 Imphal: Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had to take a chopper to reach the Raj Bhavan after arriving in Imphal from New Delhi Monday afternoon as protesters assembled along the Kwakeithel airport road and formed a human chain in protest against the concealing of the state's name from a govt bus that was heading to the Shirui Lily Festival on May 20. Bhalla had left for Delhi on May 21. The agitators took positions at 11.30am along the airport route, displaying placards stating the 'governor should apologise,' 'don't disintegrate the territorial integrity of Manipur,' while voicing demands for an apology regarding claims that endanger the state's territorial identity. The current protests initiated after central forces from the Mahar Regiment instructed the removal of 'Manipur State' text from a journalist transport bus. The vehicle was travelling to Ukhrul for Shirui Lily Festival 2025 coverage when central security personnel requested the state's name concealment on May 20. COCOMI had observed a 48-hour strike across Manipur last week to protest against the incident that took place in the Gwaltabi area. They demanded an apology from the governor and the resignation of three top officers. Students across various educational institutions formed human chains protesting the incident, while women confronted state and central security forces stationed heavily along the airport-Raj Bhavan route. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Human chain protests were also held in Ningthoukhong and Moirang areas in Bishnupur district. Security has been beefed up at several points, including Moirangkhom in Imphal West district and Konung Mamang in Imphal East district. COCOMI women wing convener RK Tharaksana told reporters, "The governor avoided travelling by road and meeting the people. This clearly shows that he has made a mistake. We will not stop our protests now. He has poured oil into the fire with his action today. We had not planned any violent protest. We raised slogans during our demonstration." A seven-member delegation of COCOMI, led by its convener Khuraijam Athouba, left for Delhi on Monday to attend a meeting with officials of the MHA on Tuesday. Athouba, before departing from Imphal, told reporters, "We had delayed pursuit of our objectives with the Centre due to Operation Sindoor. However, with the successful conclusion of the operation on the western front of the country, we are seeking the Centre's measures in dealing with narco-terrorists on the eastern front of the country." "At a critical time, the Gwaltabi incident happened in which the state's historical and cultural legacy was severely hit. We will raise the issues related to the Gwaltabi incident and other agenda concerning the Manipur crisis," he added.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Manipur assembly speaker attends Shirui Lily Fest in Ukhrul
Ukhrul: The 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival, in its third day on Friday, witnessed the attendance of Manipur legislative assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, along with several MLAs. On Wednesday, Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Shirui village of Manipur's Ukhrul district. During the ceremony, Bhalla expressed his happiness and said, "I am very happy that I have come here; it's truly worth visiting this place. I am also glad that we are organising the Shirui Festival after a gap of two years. Seeing the enthusiasm and participation among the community is very encouraging. It's a very good thing for the region and the state." Marking the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily's discovery, the festival aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. It brings together locals, indigenous tribes, and visitors from across India and abroad to experience the vibrant culture of the Tangkhul Nagas through traditional dance, music, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like É Aniversário da Shopper Fresh! Compre já Undo The Shirui Lily Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and community, inspiring all to protect and preserve the unique heritage it represents. The event continues to foster unity and environmental awareness, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come. ANI Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- India Gazette
Manipur assembly speaker Satyabrata Singh attends 5th State Level Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul
Ukhrul (Manipur) [India], May 23 (ANI): The 5th State Level Shirui Lily Festival is currently being celebrated in Shirui village of Ukhrul district in Manipur, drawing public participation and official presence. The festival, now in its third day on Friday, witnessed the attendance of Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, along with several MLAs. On Wednesday, the Manipur Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village in Ukhrul district. During the ceremony, Governor Bhalla expressed his happiness and said, 'I am very happy that I have come here; it's truly worth visiting this place. I am also glad that we are organising the Shirui Festival after a gap of two years. Seeing the enthusiasm and participation among the community is very encouraging. It's a very good thing for the region and the state.' The festival celebrates the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), found only in the Shirui Hills. The Governor described it as 'a living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage.' He added, 'The state flower, Shirui Lily, is not just a pride for this Ukhrul region but for the entire state and the country.' Highlighting the importance of eco-tourism, Governor Bhalla said, 'This is an important eco-tourism attraction that we can promote well. Of course, we need to improve infrastructure, but with a focused government approach, I am hopeful that in the coming years, this place will become a key destination on India's tourism map--and even globally.' Marking the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily's discovery, the festival aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. It brings together locals, indigenous tribes, and visitors from across India and abroad to experience the vibrant culture of the Tangkhul Nagas through traditional dance, music, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine. The delicate Shirui Lily blooms only in the unique microclimate of the Shirui Hills and cannot be grown elsewhere, making this region its only sanctuary. The Governor reminded all, 'For this year, our message is to bring peace back to the state. The theme is celebrating peace and harmony in diversity.' The Shirui Lily Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and community, inspiring all to protect and preserve the unique heritage it represents. The event continues to foster unity and environmental awareness, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.(ANI)
India Gazette
21-05-2025
- India Gazette
Manipur Governor inaugurates 5th Shirui Lily Festival, calls for peace and growth in eco-tourism
Manipur [India], May 21 (ANI): Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village in Ukhrul district. At the inauguration ceremony, Governor Bhalla expressed his happiness, saying, 'I am very happy that I have come here; it's truly worth visiting this place. I am also glad that we are organising the Shirui Festival after a gap of two years. Seeing the enthusiasm and participation among the community is very encouraging. It's a very good thing for the region and the state.' The festival celebrates the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), found only in the Shirui Hills. The Governor described it as 'a living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage.' He added, 'The state flower, Shirui Lily, is not just a pride for this Ukhrul region but for the entire state and the country.' Emphasizing the importance of eco-tourism, Governor Bhalla said, 'This is an important eco-tourism attraction that we can promote well. Of course, we need to improve infrastructure, but with a focused government approach, I am hopeful that in the coming years, this place will become a key destination on India's tourism map--and even globally.' Governor Bhalla also stressed peace and unity, urging communities to come together. 'I want to send a message that such beautiful places are not for conflicts but for harmony. Differences of opinion may exist, but they should not hinder celebrations like this. I appeal to everyone, especially people from all sides of the valley, to come together and enjoy the festival in unity. Our common people want to celebrate and enjoy these moments, and we should support that.' Marking the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily's discovery, the festival aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. It brings together locals, indigenous tribes, and visitors from across India and abroad to experience the vibrant culture of the Tangkhul Nagas through traditional dance, music, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine. The delicate Shirui Lily blooms only in the unique microclimate of the Shirui Hills and cannot be grown elsewhere, making this region its only sanctuary. The Governor reminded all, 'For this year, our message is to bring peace back to the state. The theme is celebrating peace and harmony in diversity.' As the festival celebrates nature and culture, Governor Bhalla called upon everyone to cherish and protect Manipur's rich heritage. 'The red flower is a living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage. Organised with this dual vision of promoting sustainable ecotourism and environmental awareness,' he said. The Shirui Lily Festival continues to inspire pride and environmental responsibility while fostering unity among Manipur's diverse communities. Visitors and locals alike shared their excitement about the festival's vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness. 'Our villagers have been very helpful in organising the event. We are preparing everything carefully, from welcoming guests to managing festivities. Everyone here is eager to host visitors warmly and make them feel at home,' said Soyo Wungsek, Headman of Shirui Village. 'The festival is lively and vibrant, attracting many tourists. The cultural programs and natural beauty together create a memorable experience. It's evident that the organisers have put in great effort to make this event a success,' said Anushka Karlwal, a visitor from Uttar Pradesh attending the festival. 'I'm really impressed by the hospitality and the unique charm of this place.' The Shirui Lily Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and community, inspiring all to protect and preserve the unique heritage it represents. The event continues to foster unity and environmental awareness, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.(ANI)
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Manipur media shuts down on May 21 to protest harassment of journalists by security forces
Guwahati: Media in Manipur have resolved to suspend publication on May 21, in protest against alleged harassment of journalists by security personnel at Gwaltabi, Imphal East. The journalists were enroute to Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul however they returned from the way alleging harassment by security personnel. The decision was jointly announced by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and the Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) following an emergency meeting held in Imphal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Médico revela: 'esse tipo de magnésio está mudando a vida de meus pacientes' AlwaysFit Saiba Mais Undo According to the statement issued, the media fraternity also submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur. The memorandum demanded accountability and appropriate punitive actions against those responsible for organizing the Shirui Lily Festival without ensuring the safety and dignity of the media. The demands include penal action against officials and personnel involved in the alleged harassment. Disciplinary measures against those in charge of the area where the incident occurred.A directive to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to consult relevant stakeholders more effectively to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Live Events The AMWJU and EGM announced a one-day Pen-Down Strike, with the possibility of an extension if the issue remains unresolved. They have also decided to boycott all news and information related to the Manipur State Government and Central and State security forces operating in the state, until a satisfactory explanation and resolution are provided. The incident occurred at the Gwaltabi checkpoint, about 25 km from Imphal, when a media team was en route to cover the inaugural function of the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. The team, comprising around 20 journalists and staff from the DIPR, was traveling in a bus arranged by the DIPR, marked with the signage 'Manipur State Transport.' Security personnel at the Gwaltabi checkpoint allegedly asked the team to conceal the 'Manipur State Transport'. The media team decided to return to Imphal, abandoning their assignment. All India Congress Committee (AICC) Member and Senior Spokesperson of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, voiced serious concern over the prolonged restrictions on free movement in Manipur. Meitei stated that the Congress party was deeply disturbed by the continued inability of both the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state administration—currently under President's Rule—to ensure the fundamental right to free movement for all citizens across the state since May 3, 2023. Referring to reports of a Manipur State Transport Corporation bus carrying media personnel to the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Ukhrul being stopped by security forces, he said it was shocking to learn that the name 'Manipur' on the bus had to be covered and that journalists were allegedly told not to use the word. He questioned how a government could expect ordinary citizens to feel safe when even a state transport vehicle cannot move freely within its own jurisdiction. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) described it as "a deliberate attempt to delegitimize the authority and very existence of the state of Manipur within its own territory" by members of the Indian Army stationed at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam , Lok Sabha MP from Manipur stated, 'This is absolutely unacceptable! Security forces compelling people to remove "Manipur" from the signage of the Manipur State Road Transport (Corporation)!It gives credence to the familiar allegation of the complicity of the elements in the Central Security forces with those forces in seeking to destroy (the idea of) Manipur!.' He added, ' This is over and above being another example of the chaotic nature of the coordination among different agencies of the state that has hitherto marked the Manipur tragedy. The government must take appropriate measures to punish these rogue elements'. Shirui Lily Festival, mostly organised by the Meitei community, is celebrated in honour of the state flower, Shirui Lily.
