The biggest rock festival in Manipur has become a mockery. The fame ShiRock has become a thing of the past in a short span of time. It has become a DueRock and if the winner of 2022 take legal recourse it will become a SueRock.
By Tennoson Pheiray
The Prophets from Mizoram was declared the winner of ShiRock 2022 during the 4th edition of Shirui Lily Festival organised by Tourism Department, Government of Manipur. The winner was announced on May 28, 2022 in front of huge crowds who have come to witness the performance of British heavy metal band “Monuments” at Bakshi Ground, Ukhrul Headquarters. The Prophets, from Mizoram bagged the first prize winning a whooping cash prize of ₹10 lakhs. It has been two months and the band is still yet to get their prize money.
Speaking to drummer of the band, Mamoia Colney informed that “we were informed by the organisor after the declaration that the prize money will be transfer in our band account number in one week. So we gave the detail of our bank account. We waited for one week and the Organisor informed us that it will be delayed by another week. They keep extending week by week. After one month, the Organisor completely stop intimating us. We don’t have connection with the Tourism Department and we didn’t know whom to approach.”
Mamoia Colney further continued “we went for audition at Gauhati with our own expense. After being selected, we came all the way from Mizoram to perform at ShiRock 2022 with our own budget and we went back to Mizoram with empty handed. We were provided food and lodging by the Organisor after reaching the venue of ShiRock.”
“We will wait for few more days and if there is no positive actions from the Organisor, we will look for legal recourse” added Mamoia Colney.
The Prophets is a Progressive Metal band from Aizawl (Mizoram), formed in October 2010. 
The Band Members:
Ronnie Hmar – Vocals
Eric Renthlei – Guitars
Samuel Chawngthu – Keyboards
Gordon Hnamte – Bass
Mamoia Colney – Drums
The biggest rock festival in Manipur has become a mockery. The fame ShiRock has become a thing of the past in a short span of time. It has become a DueRock and if the winner of 2022 take legal recourse it will become a SueRock.
Reliable sources informed that a total of Rs. 93 Lakhs only has been released by the Tourism Department till date for Shirui Lily Festival 2022. The remaining amount is likely to be released soon after the ongoing Assembly Session.