The ‘Strength of Unity,’ also known as ‘Statue of Unity’ sculpture was unveiled by the then Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel at the opening of the 3rd State level Shirui Lily Festival in October 16, 2019.
The statue erected at the foothill of Shirui hill range is the immaculate work of the well known and distinguished Tangkhul artist and sculpture, Sorei Keishing, which has now become a familiar tourist landmark, especially for tourists and hikers to explore Shirui Kashong (peak), and the state flower Shirui Lily from across the state and beyond.
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According to Shirui Village, the statue of the seven men carrying a large log erected at the foothill of Shirui peak signify the inception and foundation of the very village eons ago. The seven men, the village say, represents the seven clans of the Shirui Village that came together to settle in the present land it finds itself today, signifying a symbol of unity. Hence the sculpture is named Statue of Unity.
Hence, the flimsy history conjured by Kukiland Facebook page, stating that the statue “depicts Tangkhul Nagas slavery under Kuki” is fake and a false propaganda to mislead people. The page Kukiland admin, continues to propagate the false narrative it published in 2020 till this day.
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