Kuki-Zos not to allow Meiteis to access their territory during Shirui Lily fest

Imphal: The Kuki-Zo village volunteers have announced their decision to "resolutely prohibit any individual from the Meitei community" from accessing Kuki territories during the Shirui Lily Festival.

The Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (KZVV-EZ) information & publicity wing expressed their best wishes for the Shirui Lily Festival, scheduled from May 20 to 24, whilst acknowledging the lasting impact of the events from May 3, 2023, through an official communication.

The organisation expressed support for Tangkhul brothers and sisters, alongside Naga brethren throughout the state, encouraging their participation in the celebrations. They offered assistance for any difficulties that might arise during travel.

"However, the Kuki-Zo community continues to carry the profound pain and trauma of the tragic events that unfolded beginning May 3, 2023—marked by grave acts of violence, atrocities, the destruction of homes and properties, and the burning of churches and villages in the Imphal Valley, perpetrated by elements within the Meitei community," the communiqué said.

"In light of these unresolved grievances and until justice is duly served and a durable solution through the establishment of a separate administrative arrangement is realized for our people, we must resolutely prohibit any individual from the Meitei community from entering or accessing our villages or territories, including for the purposes of attending the Shirui Lily Festival," it added.

The organisation has cautioned the Meitei community against entering Kuki areas. "Any violation of this directive will be considered intentional, and individuals shall bear full responsibility for any consequences that may follow," it warned.

The statement expressed confidence that Naga brethren, particularly the Tangkhul community, would comprehend the significance of their position and the necessity of this announcement during this crucial period.

It is notable that the state govt, under the DGP's leadership, has committed to providing comprehensive security and transport arrangements for festival attendees.

Imphal: The Kuki-Zo village volunteers have announced their decision to "resolutely prohibit any individual from the Meitei community" from accessing Kuki territories during the Shirui Lily Festival.

The Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (KZVV-EZ) information & publicity wing expressed their best wishes for the Shirui Lily Festival, scheduled from May 20 to 24, whilst acknowledging the lasting impact of the events from May 3, 2023, through an official communication.

The organisation expressed support for Tangkhul brothers and sisters, alongside Naga brethren throughout the state, encouraging their participation in the celebrations. They offered assistance for any difficulties that might arise during travel.

"However, the Kuki-Zo community continues to carry the profound pain and trauma of the tragic events that unfolded beginning May 3, 2023—marked by grave acts of violence, atrocities, the destruction of homes and properties, and the burning of churches and villages in the Imphal Valley, perpetrated by elements within the Meitei community," the communiqué said.

"In light of these unresolved grievances and until justice is duly served and a durable solution through the establishment of a separate administrative arrangement is realized for our people, we must resolutely prohibit any individual from the Meitei community from entering or accessing our villages or territories, including for the purposes of attending the Shirui Lily Festival," it added.

The organisation has cautioned the Meitei community against entering Kuki areas. "Any violation of this directive will be considered intentional, and individuals shall bear full responsibility for any consequences that may follow," it warned.

The statement expressed confidence that Naga brethren, particularly the Tangkhul community, would comprehend the significance of their position and the necessity of this announcement during this crucial period.

It is notable that the state govt, under the DGP's leadership, has committed to providing comprehensive security and transport arrangements for festival attendees.