New Delhi, May 27, 2025, Virthli (ONP): The President of the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR, Mr. Paojakhup Guite, has issued a public clarification following a wave of controversy surrounding his recent remarks on the Shirui Lily Festival. The statement, which went viral across social media platforms, was widely interpreted as opposing the festival, sparking debates across community lines in the volatile region of Manipur.
In a detailed clarification released Monday, Mr. Guite stated that his comments had been "misinterpreted" and taken out of context. “I stated that the festival appears to be a covert attempt by certain civil society organizations to encroach upon demarcated buffer zones, which I oppose,” he said. He emphasized that his remarks were not an attack on the festival itself but a call to safeguard fragile peace in the region.
Citing concerns about recent confrontations and the safety of vulnerable groups, including women and children, Mr. Guite said his intention was to advocate for restraint and the preservation of peace. He raised alarms over the presence of heavily armed groups like Arambai Tenggol and other valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs), who reportedly possess over 6,000 looted weapons and 600,000 rounds of ammunition, posing a grave risk to public safety.
“The volatile situation has heightened fears of violence,” he noted, adding that buffer zones play a crucial role in preventing conflict. “My statement was a measured and cautionary message aimed at preventing further escalation.”
Mr. Guite also clarified that there is no coordinated opposition from Kuki civil society organizations (CSOs) against the festival itself. He pointed to the Supreme Court of India’s own recognition of the breakdown of law and order in Manipur as context for his concerns.
Reiterating his commitment to peace, Mr. Guite declared that he is not affiliated with any village volunteers or armed groups. “As a peace-loving citizen of this Great Nation, India, I advocated for peaceful demonstrations and preserving fragile peace in the state,” he stated.
Despite the backlash, Mr. Guite stood by the core of his original message, underscoring the need to maintain buffer zones as a preventive measure. “My statement sparked crucial public discourse,” he concluded, “and was a reminder about the importance of reducing tension and protecting all communities.”
