UKHRUL, May 14: Ahead of the State Level Shirui Lily Festival 2025, the Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) has strongly condemned a press communiqué issued by the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteer – Eastern Zone (KZVV-EZ). The communiqué, dated May 11, 2025, has drawn sharp criticism for its territorial claims over certain parts of Ukhrul district.

While KZVV-EZ had extended well-wishes for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival—emphasizing its importance in promoting awareness of the endangered Shirui Lily and sustainable tourism—its statement also implied that villages inhabited by Kuki communities in Ukhrul fall under the claimed domain of “Kukiland.” WTR dismissed this claim as “outrageous and provocative,” warning against any attempts to disrupt the festival or target visitors traveling to Ukhrul or Shirui Village.

WTR asserted that the “Kukiland” claim holds no ground within Naga territories, stating that it does not extend “even an inch” into Ukhrul. The region further cautioned that spreading such misinformation through any form of media would be treated as a direct challenge to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) and the wider Naga community. The statement, reaffirmed the GPRN’s commitment to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Naga regions, especially as the Shirui Lily Festival approaches.

Meanwhile, the Village Volunteers, Eastern Zone (VVEZ) issued a separate clarification on May 14, distancing itself entirely from KZVV-EZ. VVEZ stated that it has no affiliation, connection, or association with the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (KZVVEZ), following the latter’s controversial press release (Ref. No. KZVV-EZ/PR-24) that warned Meitei community members against entering or crossing its claimed areas during the festival.

VVEZ emphasized that its priority remains the welfare and security of the Kuki-Zo community and expressed concern over the confusion created by KZVV-EZ’s statement. “We request the public to rely on credible sources and avoid spreading misinformation,” the VVEZ statement read.

With the Shirui Lily Festival scheduled to take place from May 20 to 24, both WTR and VVEZ have called for restraint and responsibility, urging all communities to uphold peace and respect during the event. The festival, which celebrates the rare Shirui Lily and local cultural heritage, remains a symbol of unity—and both groups have expressed a shared interest in ensuring it proceeds without disruption.