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Manipur's Shirui Lily Festival Begins Under Heavy Security After Threats

The festival, held for the first time in two years, tests efforts to restore safe intercommunity movement as police investigate social media threats and security forces guard key routes.

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A bus with a media sticker on it in Manipur. (Sourced photo)
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Overview

  • The Shirui Lily Festival, running from May 20–24, marks the first major intercommunity movement in Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.
  • Manipur Police have launched a manhunt after registering a cyber-crime case against social media threats targeting Meitei attendees, allegedly from unknown Kuki-linked accounts.
  • The Border Security Force and Army have taken over security along the ImphalUkhrul route, implementing vehicle checks, patrols, and post-midnight travel restrictions.
  • Tangkhul Naga community volunteers are assisting security forces to ensure the safety of visitors traveling through sensitive areas along National Highway 202.
  • Media unions have raised concerns after journalists were blocked en route to the festival, citing restrictions imposed by security personnel.