The KSO President Paojakhup Guite (Delhi/NCR), who is believed to be on the run evading police arrest, has come up with new narratives of his controversial remarks on the Shirui Festival: his remarks were misinterpreted, and his concern was rather on maintaining peace and stability in the state.
In the video release, KSO President Paojakhup Guite said (to him) the festival appears to be a covert attempt by certain CSOs to encroach upon the demarcated buffer zone, and he made the statement for the safety of all community members, particularly women and children, in the given volatile situation and reports of potential confrontation.
He said his statements were aimed at restraining and protecting, but not inciting any forms of violence, and they (Kuki) feared for their lives from those who had looted arms. He said those who have looted arms are threats to Kuki lives.
Mention may be made here that the Churachandpur Police has also registered an FIR, and all efforts were also being made, including raids in nearby districts, for his immediate arrest.
The KSO President (Delhi), in a video circulated widely yesterday, threatened the Meitei community, stating they would not be allowed to cross the buffer zone to attend the upcoming Shirui Festival in Ukhrul.
Using a loudspeaker in a public place, Guite called on the Kuki community to “not spare any Meetei man or woman” who crosses into Kuki-dominated areas en route to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
The video of his hate-filled address has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage. Guite’s statement directly contradicts the spirit of the Shirui Lily Festival, an event long seen as a symbol of Meetei-Tangkhul unity.
