Imphal, May 15 -- A Kuki-Zo group in Manipur has warned the Meitei community not to enter their areas during the upcoming five-day Shirui Lily Festival, which is being organised after two years in Ukhrul district next week. The two-year hiatus in the annual cultural state festival of Manipur was due to the ethnic strife between the two warring groups that has claimed at least 260 lives and left thousands homeless since May 2023. "We strongly advise all members of the Meitei community to refrain from entering or crossing our areas at any time. Any violation of this direction will be considered intentional, and individuals shall bear full responsibility for any consequences that may follow," the Kuki Zo Village Volunteer Eastern Zone said in a statement. People from across the state visit Ukhrul during the Shirui festival, to be held between May 20 and 24. The route from Imphal, where Meiteis are in the majority, to Ukhrul passes through certain villages dominated by Kukis. In Ukhrul district, however, the Naga tribal people are in majority. Popular Tangkhul Naga social worker Asang Kashar condemned the warning. "This is directly a challenge to every citizen of Manipur and shows they (Kukis) are against peace," Kashar said. Director general of police had Rajiv Singh recently visited Ukhrul to review the preparations for the annual festival....