Did Manipur Police Launch Raids to Apprehend Kuki Leader Threatening Meitei Community?
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Synopsis
In a significant response to escalating tensions, the Manipur Police have initiated a large-scale operation to capture a Kuki leader who issued threats to the Meitei community. With the Shirui Lily Festival approaching, the police have sought assistance from neighboring states in a bid to ensure safety during this culturally important event.
Key Takeaways
- Manipur Police launched a search operation for Kuki leader Paojakhup Guite.
- Guite threatened the Meitei community regarding the Shirui Lily Festival.
- Police are collaborating with four neighboring states for the arrest.
- The festival celebrates the rare Shirui Lily, which is unique to Manipur.
- Safety measures are being prioritized for festival attendees.
Imphal, May 17 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Manipur Police initiated a significant search operation and sought assistance from four neighboring northeastern states to apprehend a leader from a Kuki organization. This individual recently issued a warning to the Meitei community, advising them against entering Kuki tribal territories during the forthcoming Shirui Lily Festival.
The Manipur Police released a statement indicating that Paojakhup Guite, the President of the Delhi unit of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), cautioned the Meitei community against crossing the buffer zone to participate in the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal community.
“A video capturing Guite’s threats directed at the Meitei community was previously shared on social media,” the statement noted. Additionally, the police in Churachandpur district have filed a First Information Report (FIR), and extensive efforts, including raids in surrounding districts, are underway for his prompt arrest.
The Manipur Police have also reached out to the law enforcement authorities in four neighboring northeastern states - Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya - requesting their swift action to detain Guite.
A photograph of Guite has been disseminated by the police. “All essential security measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of attendees at the Shirui Lily Festival next week,” the statement further emphasized.
The Manipur Police previously dismissed the existence of a group identifying itself as the Kuki Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone, which had reportedly issued a warning to the Meitei community concerning their presence in Kuki-dominated areas during the upcoming festival.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the leading body representing the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal community, also disavowed the warning attributed to the Kuki Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone directed at the Meitei community.
The Manipur Police clarified that the alleged press release dated May 11 was being circulated on social media and in various local publications.
“It has come to the attention of the Manipur Police that a press release from an unidentified organization, the Kuki Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone, is being spread across social media and local newspapers. This organization has warned the Meitei community against entering or crossing Kuki-inhabited regions for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival,” the police stated.
Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) earlier issued a statement clarifying its stance regarding the Village Volunteers, Eastern Zone in relation to the Shirui Lily Festival.
The KZC stated that as a political platform focused on representing the democratic and collective interests of the Kuki-Zo populace, the council refrains from engaging in or endorsing unsolicited communications from individuals or organizations acting independently.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently presided over the organizing committee meeting for the Shirui Lily Festival, scheduled to take place in Ukhrul district from May 20 to 24.
The Shirui Lily Festival, predominantly organized by the Meitei community, is celebrated to honor the state flower, Shirui Lily. This festival coincides with the peak blooming season of the Shirui Lily, a rare and endangered flower exclusive to Manipur.
The Shirui lily flourishes atop the Shirui hills in Ukhrul district and cannot be cultivated elsewhere in the world.
The state flower of Manipur fills the atmosphere with its delightful fragrance during its blooming period. The festival aims primarily to raise awareness and conserve this endangered state flower.
This festival serves as a platform for various communities and tribes to unite, explore the scenic Ukhrul district, and gain deeper insights into the Tangkhul Naga tribe residing in the region.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach this situation with an unbiased perspective. The actions taken by the Manipur Police reflect a commitment to public safety while navigating the complexities of inter-community relations. It is essential to maintain a balanced narrative that underscores the importance of dialogue and understanding among diverse groups in the region.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Manipur Police to launch the raids?
The raids were initiated in response to threats made by Kuki leader Paojakhup Guite against the Meitei community regarding their participation in the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival.
How is the Manipur Police coordinating with neighboring states?
The Manipur Police have requested assistance from the police authorities of Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya to ensure the swift arrest of Guite.
What is the significance of the Shirui Lily Festival?
The Shirui Lily Festival celebrates the blooming of the state flower of Manipur and aims to raise awareness about its conservation, fostering unity among various communities.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety during the festival?
The Manipur Police are implementing all necessary security arrangements to ensure the safety of attendees at the festival.
What stance has the Kuki-Zo Council taken regarding the threats?
The Kuki-Zo Council has distanced itself from the threats made by the Kuki Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone, emphasizing their commitment to democratic representation and community interests.
