The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) has strongly condemned the desecration of the Salai Taret (Seven Clan) flag by armed miscreants, suspected to be Kuki-Zo militants. AMUCO warned that such provocative acts threaten to derail ongoing peace efforts in Manipur.
Addressing the media at its Kwakeithel office on April 15, 2025, AMUCO President Ph. Nando Luwang expressed grave concern over a viral video showing the desecration of the Seven-Salai flag. He described the act as a serious provocation that offends the sentiments of the indigenous communities of the state.
AMUCO emphasized that it represents all indigenous peoples of Manipur and will not remain silent when acts aimed at destabilizing communal harmony are committed. The organization urged the government to publicly declare the steps it intends to take against those involved in the desecration, noting that inaction could jeopardize initiatives by the Centre to restore peace in the state.
The Salai Taret flag, also known as the Flag of Kangleipak, is a rectangular flag with seven colors, each representing one of the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of Ancient Manipur. The flag symbolizes the birth of Ibudhou Pakhangba’s seven sons, who represent the seven clans. Each color corresponds to the time of day each son was born, reflecting the hues of the sun during their respective births.
AMUCO criticized the government’s silence on the issue, stating that the Centre must assert its legitimacy by enforcing the rule of law. The organization highlighted that the Kuki-Zo community had earlier blocked the Union Home Minister’s March 8 assurance of free movement in the state, yet no action was taken by the government.
Referring to the Governor’s earlier appeal to surrender arms, AMUCO noted that the Meetei community had responded by surrendering most of their weapons, while the Kuki-Zo community openly defied the appeal. The organization called on the Centre to take stringent action to confiscate illegal weapons brought into the state from Myanmar.
AMUCO also highlighted the significance of sacred sites like Thangjing Hills, describing them as essential annual pilgrimage sites for the Meetei community and symbols of their identity. The organization urged the government to ensure the protection of such sites.
