The Shirui Lily and the Kombirei flower, both of which hold significant cultural and historical value for the Meitei community, are also teetering on the brink of extinction.

The incident unfolded before dawn in the volatile border area between the Meitei-dominated Imphal West district and Kuki-Zo-dominated Kangpokpi district. 

Elections for two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur will be held on April 19 and 26. While Inner Manipur and some segments of Outer Manipur will vote in the first phase, the remaining segments of Outer Manipur will go to polls on April 26.

According to officials in the state government, it is not possible to extend the vote facility to those outside the state.

Reports indicate that police commandos across all five valley districts of Manipur set aside their weapons, demanding swift action against the Metei radical group, Arambai Tenggol.