The Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) of the Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim has asked Arambai Tenggol to tender an unqualified apology within 48 hours for their unwarranted intrusion at Shirui Peak, where they hoisted the 'SALAI TARET' flag in an area far beyond their socio-religious jurisdiction.
Reacting to a recent viral post on social media, which allegedly shows a member of Arambai Tenggol hoisting the 'SALAI TARET' flag at Shirui Peak, the WTR GPRN issued a statement on Saturday, calling the act “poor stupidity.”
The WTR GPRN stated that Arambai Tenggol has courted controversy at the wrong time and in the wrong place with their unfounded narrative, especially when such a beautiful occasion—the Shirui Lily Festival, involving people from all socio-religious groups across the country—is being celebrated in Ukhrul/Shirui.
The statement added: “The Arambai Tenggol’s manner of hoisting the 'SALAI TARET' flag is lowbrow and treasonous. The 'SALAI TARET' flag has no connection with the Tangkhuls whatsoever—culturally, historically, or politically.”
It further said: “Thus, Arambai Tenggol has once again proved themselves to be nothing but a bunch of war-mongers, provoking the nerves of the peace-loving Tangkhuls.”
Significantly, the WTR noted that Arambai Tenggol’s actions constitute a breach of social protocol as expected in today’s civilized society.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), labeled the act of Arambai Tenggol as an “Utterly Disgraceful and Despicable attempt by Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the Shirui Lily Festival for petty and dirty political gains, at the 100% wrong place and time.”
Vashum posted on his Facebook account regarding the incident: “Mutual trust and mutual respect are at the core of human existence. Without them, we degrade ourselves to a beastly state. What we do not want done to us by others, we should not do to others. Please be good to yourselves—and back off. I am simply aghast at the utterly brazen attempt to hyphenate us—the Nagas—with the valley.”
He added: “Your history spans over 2,000 years, while our history, in terms of scripted compilations, is barely 200 years old. Our connection with Manipur dates back to 1891, when the British incorporated the hills of Manipur within the same geographical boundaries. Even so, in recognition of the distinctiveness and separateness of the tribals, the administration of the hills was the sole responsibility of the Political Agent, reporting directly to Colonial authorities. This arrangement continued right up to India's Independence.”
He concluded: “The truth of history boils down to this: We Nagas have no common legacy with yours. We Nagas have no common heritage, because we have no common history with yours. Therefore, we should settle for good neighborliness. Anything less—or beyond—would mean perpetual heartburn.”
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
