After a pause of two years, Shirui Lily Festival begins in conflict-torn Manipur but not without controversy

Guwahati: After a pause of two years due to the Meitei-Kuki conflict, the annual Shirui Lily festival began on Tuesday in Naga-dominated Ukhrul district with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla climbing the Shirui peak in the morning to witness the blooming of the Shirui Lily flowers.

The inauguration of the five-day festival that celebrates the blooming of Manipur's state flower -- Shirui Lily -- however, was not bereft of controversy. Media organisations in the Meitei-dominated Valley decided to boycott the festival after the Army allegedly stopped a Manipur state transport bus carrying a team of mediapersons from Imphal to the festival venue in Ukhrul.

The mediapersons, who staged a protest later, said they were asked to remove the signage 'Manipur State Transport' on the bus before moving towards Ukhrul. The vehicle was arranged by the state department of information and public relations.

Since the Meitei-Kuki conflict began in May 2023, army and other central forces have been manning the 'buffer zone' that separates the Valley from the Kuki-dominated districts. Sources said the army took the step fearing violence as the bus was required to pass through some Kuki villages. The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union and the Editors’ Guild Manipur also condemned the incident and later decided to suspend their work on Wednesday and boycott Manipur goverment-related work till an investigation into the incident was done.

Manipur police had registered a case against a Kuki leader, who had allegedly threatened that no Meiteis would be allowed to cross the 'buffer zone' to attend the festival. The security arrangements were further beefed up to prevent a flare up of Meitei-Kuki conflict.

Being a festival sponsored by the state tourism department, people from all walks of life used to take part in the festival till the conflict began. On Tuesday, however, Kukis skipped the festival and only a few officers and government staff were among a few Meiteis, who had attended the inaugural function.

The festival

The five-day festival showcases cultural events, artifacts, games, music and food of Manipur, particularly that of the Tangkhul Naga tribe inhabiting Ukhrul. During the inauguration, the Governor released the 75th anniversary souvenir and inspected the various stalls at the venue.

"The Shirui Lily festival is a tribute to the magnificent Shirui Lily flower.This rare plant is a living symbol of Manipur’s ecological wealth and natural heritage. Organised with the dual vision of promoting sustainable eco-tourism and environmental awareness, this festival has grown into one of the most attractive and spectacular events in our state’s cultural calendar," Bhalla said while addressing the inaugural function.

Manipur has remained under President's Rule since February after N. Biren Singh's resignation as the CM, due to the conflict.