Special Correspondent
Ukhrul/Dimapur, May 27:
In a sharply worded statement, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has issued a serious caution to the Arambai Tenggol’s Unit 58, known as the COBRA Team, over what it termed as “provocative and reckless” claims concerning the ownership of the iconic Shirui Lily, a rare flower native to the Tangkhul homeland in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
Released by the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) of the NSCN/GPRN, the message underlines a “goodwill gesture” extended despite ongoing ethnic unrest. However, it criticizes the COBRA Team’s recent assertion as a potential trigger for further ethnic discord in an already fragile situation.
“The awful air of ethnic conflict that you are deeply involved in has not totally disappeared yet,” the statement read. “It is imperative not to provoke another wave of tension by making reckless and impulsive statements.”
The NSCN-IM stressed that any claim on the Shirui Lily devoid of historical context is “unacceptable to the Tangkhuls,” warning that such narratives create fertile ground for mischief-makers on social media to stoke instability. Emphasizing peace and co-existence, the group called for “better conduct in future,” urging both responsibility and maturity in handling delicate inter-community matters.
In a pointed rebuke, the NSCN-IM also condemned Arambai Tenggol’s failure to respond to the Wung-Tangkhul Region’s demand for an “unqualified apology.” This silence, according to the NSCN-IM, violates fundamental socio-political courtesy and reflects a “low ethical standard.”
While the NSCN-IM avoided direct threats, the tone of the message was unmistakably stern, highlighting the seriousness with which it views the matter. The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful co-existence but made clear that respect for historical and cultural identity is non-negotiable.
This development comes amid heightened vigilance across Manipur, where the potential for ethnic flare-ups remains dangerously high. The NSCN’s statement may serve as both a warning and a call for restraint as multiple communities navigate a tense and sensitive phase in the state’s history.
