The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has issued a strongly worded rejoinder to a press release issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur on 25 April 2026 titled “Coordinated Meitei-Tangkhul Militant Build-Up Threatens Kuki-Zo Civilians.”
In a statement released on Sunday, the TNL Media Cell said the Kuki Inpi Manipur release was a “flagrant press release” and, in the committee’s view, a deliberate attempt to “attract sympathy” from sections of the public unfamiliar with the “prevailing situation in Manipur” and what it called the “mendacious nature” of Kuki organisations.
‘Orchestrated Conflict’
The TNL Working Committee alleged that the ethnic conflict between Nagas and Kukis was initiated by Kukis in early February with the objective of destabilising Naga areas in Manipur and undermining the Naga struggle for what it described as sovereignty and self-determination.
‘Mercenary’ Support
The statement further claimed that the Ministry of Home Affairs was involved in enabling the violence, asserting that Kuki SoO groups were being used as mercenaries against the Tangkhul Nagas.
The TNL Working Committee said it had observed attacks on Tangkhul Naga villages—including TM Kasom, Laho, Sharkaphung, Thawai, Tanrui, and Sinakeithei—and argued that such attacks indicated organised operations supported by broader state backing.
It also accused those it described as militant groups of using extensive firepower, disseminating footage of violence, and “condoning violence online,” alleging that there had been no meaningful repercussion for illegal actions.
The committee said Tangkhul communities have, until now, relied on village volunteers to protect their land, adding that the community “has the right to the land” and “do[es] not want nor need” assistance from other communities in defending it.
TNL Denies AT Presence
Responding directly to KIM’s claims, the TNL Working Committee said the allegations concerning the presence of Arambai Tenggol in Sikibung/Sharkaphung are “an utter and a complete lie” with “no basis,” stating that KIM had been “found wanting of the truth.”
Call to GoI
In its message to the Government of India, the TNL Working Committee said that restoring peace and normalcy in the Ukhrul and Kamjong districts requires “the first steps” to include severing ties with Kuki SoO groups and relocating or dismantling SoO camps in those districts.
“We stand firm in our conviction to protect our rightful land,” the statement reiterated.
