IMPHAL, May 27: The NSCN-IM, through a press statement issued on Monday, has addressed Arambai Tenggol’s Unit 58 (Cobra Team), urging the group to show restraint and maturity following a controversial statement concerning the ownership of the Shirui Lily.

In a press release , the NSCN-IM described the situation as an “unpleasant episode” and stressed the importance of handling such sensitive matters with responsibility.

“Expressing our goodwill gesture notwithstanding the unpleasant situation,” the NSCN stated, it wished to convey a message to find “a perfectly sensible way out of what could be the outcome” of the controversy. The statement reminded Arambai Tenggol to “go for maturity and handle the issue more objectively,” further urging the group to avoid actions that could negatively impact the social fabric.

Addressing the wider context of ethnic tensions in Manipur, the NSCN emphasized that “the awful air of ethnic conflict that you are deeply involved in has not totally disappeared yet.” The statement underscored the importance of not reigniting tensions through “reckless and impulsive statements,” warning that any remarks made “without any historical context is not acceptable to the Tangkhuls.” It further cautioned that such statements only invite “trouble makers using the social media platforms to fish in troubled water.”

The NSCN strongly appealed for improved conduct, urging Arambai Tenggol to “learn to stand strong with the spirit of peaceful co-existence, social responsibility and integrity.” The organization emphasized the need for socially conscious behavior, particularly in light of ongoing ethnic sensitivities.

Notably, the NSCN also pointed out that Arambai Tenggol had “not responded to the ‘unqualified apology’ demanded by the Wung-Tangkhul Region of GPRN,” a silence it described as being “against the spirit of socio-political courtesy” and indicative of a “low ethical standard that can be stamped against your name.”