IMPHAL, May 24: Arambai Tenggol Unit-58 on Saturday has issued a clarification following strong condemnation from the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) regarding a social media post that alleged the hoisting of the Meitei Salai Taret flag at Shirui Peak during the ongoing Shirui Lily Festival.
The controversy stems from images circulated on a Facebook page under the name “Manipur Stylish”, which showed individuals purportedly from Arambai Tenggol Unit-58 hoisting the Salai Taret (Seven Clan) flag at the peak. The TKS, in a press statement, strongly denounced the act, calling it a “grave provocation” and accusing it of being a deliberate attempt to politicize a peaceful cultural event.
“This is not just an insult; it is a deliberate attempt to provoke, disrupt peace, and assert ideological dominance beyond the Imphal Valley,” the TKS stated, adding that such symbolic aggression directly challenges the dignity, identity, and territorial integrity of the Tangkhul Naga people. The student body warned that it will not tolerate the imposition of what it called “foreign flags, slogans, or narratives” on Tangkhul land.
However, the situation took a significant turn after numerous local social media influencers came forward to reveal that the viral post was in fact a fabrication. The image and claims were attributed to a suspected fake page, thereby misleading the public and stakeholders.
In response, Arambai Tenggol Unit-58 issued a clarification on May 24, 2025, ref. no. AT58/SF/CL-01, expressing deep regret that TKS had been misled by inaccurate and misleading information. The unit stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of sources in sensitive matters to prevent hasty and potentially divisive conclusions.
“For the record, the Shirui Lily is the State Flower of Manipur, symbolizing the collective identity of the state and not belonging to any single community. The event was officially organized by the Government of Manipur, and participants were merely engaging in cultural celebration within the framework of the state’s initiatives,” the statement read.
The unit emphasized that Arambai Tenggol, Unit-58 COBRA, firmly upholds the idea of a united Manipur and remains committed to preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the Salai Taret flag, the unit stated, “The image in question, showing members holding the Salai Taret (Seven Clan) flag, is being unnecessarily politicized. The flag symbolizes the unity and peaceful coexistence of indigenous clans of Manipur and is a regular feature at expeditions, sporting events, and cultural occasions — whether in India or abroad.”
They further clarified that displaying the flag in Shirui Hills should not be misconstrued as a territorial claim or provocation. “Just as carrying the flag in the United States, Europe, or the Himalayas does not imply ownership of those regions, its presence here signifies cultural continuity, not confrontation,” the statement concluded.
