TKS Condemns Hoisting of Meitei Salai Taret Flag at Shirui Peak, Rejects Notion That the Flag Represents Collective Will of Manipur

The apex student body of the Tangkhul Naga community, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), has condemned the hoisting of the Meitei Salai Taret flag at Shirui Peak during the Shirui Lily Festival.

The student body rejected the notion that the seven-colored flag represents the collective will of Manipur and reaffirmed the Tangkhul people’s allegiance to the sky-blue Naga flag, which it said reflects their political aspirations and historical truth.

In condemnation of the act allegedly carried out by members of Arambai Tenggol, specifically a unit calling itself the “Cobra Team – Unit 58,” TKS issued a statement on Friday.

TKS stated that the recent hoisting of the Meitei seven-colored flag atop the sacred Shirui Peak during the ongoing Shirui Lily Festival—carried out by members of Arambai Tenggol, specifically the "Cobra Team – Unit 58"—has sparked widespread outrage among the local Tangkhul community.

TKS described the act as a “deliberate political provocation” and “an insult” to the identity, culture, and territorial sanctity of the Tangkhul Nagas.

The apex student body stated, “The Shirui Lily Festival is a solemn celebration of our rare endemic flower, our land, and the enduring spirit of the Tangkhul Naga people.”

To carry out this kind of symbolic aggression in sacred Tangkhul territory is a calculated attempt to disrupt peace and politicise a neutral cultural platform, the release stated.

The student body warned that it will not tolerate any attempt to politicise sacred spaces or challenge the historical and cultural ownership of Tangkhul land.

Calling the action “reckless and inflammatory,” the TKS stated that such provocations would not be taken lightly and warned of “strong consequences” should similar acts be repeated.

"TKS will not allow such actions to go unchallenged. We issue this statement as a stern and final warning," the release stated.

Any repetition of this kind of intrusion and political posturing will face strong consequences. The dignity, history, and territorial integrity of the Tangkhul Naga people are non-negotiable, TKS asserted.

Reminding all communities that while the Tangkhul people have traditionally welcomed visitors to the Shirui Lily Festival with open arms, their hospitality must not be mistaken for weakness. TKS added that the peace of the hills must not be disturbed under the guise of festivity or unity.

TKS further urged all citizens and organisations to reflect seriously on the incident and take measures to prevent such divisive acts in the future. It emphasised the importance of mutual respect and coexistence for the maintenance of peace and justice in the region.