The NSCN-IM through its Secretariat of the Wung-Tangkhul Region (WTR), has issued a strong statement condemning the actions of the Arambai Tenggol unit 58 (Cobra Team) for hoisting the ‘Salai Taret’ flag during the ongoing Shirui Lily Festival at Ukhrul/Shirui.
The statement described the manner of hoisting the flag as “lowbrow and treasonous”.
According to the NSCN-IM, the ‘Salai Taret’ flag has no cultural, historical, or political connection with the Tangkhul community, and the flag hoisting was seen as a provocative act by a group described as “war-mongers.” The Secretariat accused Arambai Tenggol of breaching social protocols and disrespecting the peace-loving nature of the Tangkhul people.
The statement demanded an unqualified apology from Arambai Tenggol within 48 hours for what it called “unwarranted intrusion” and urged the group to refrain from similar actions in the future, emphasizing that the area where the flag was raised falls outside their socio-religious jurisdiction.