The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has issued a stern directive to Kuki villages located within Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, ordering them to disregard recent instructions from Kuki civil society and student organizations regarding tax payments and district identification.
The apex Tangkhul customary body characterized these moves as totally irresponsible, unconstitutional and highly provocative amidst the state’s ongoing volatility.
Rejection of Orders
The TNL’s reaction follows recent mandates issued by the Working Committee of Kuki CSOs Ukhrul (WCKCSO) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Ukhrul District. The WCKCSO had reportedly ordered Kuki villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong areas to pay hill house tax to Kangpokpi, while the KSO instructed villages to install signage identifying themselves as part of “Kangpokpi District.”
In a statement issued Tuesday, TNL Vice President RS Jollyson asserted that no “self-styled” organization or student body possesses the power to alter territorial classifications or create parallel administrative structures through intimidation. The TNL warned that these directives constitute a direct challenge to the rightful owners of the land and will not be taken lightly.
Ancestral Land, Territorial Integrity
At the heart of the dispute is the TNL’s assertion of historical ownership. The TNL maintained that the ancestral lands and traditional jurisdictions of Ukhrul and Kamjong belong strictly to the indigenous Tangkhul Naga people, claiming their historical ownership predates what they described as “fabricated narratives” currently being imposed.
The TNL also reiterated the long-standing position of the Nagas in Manipur, under the United Naga Council (UNC), regarding the 2016 creation of seven new districts. The TNL continues to demand a rollback of that decision, arguing it was an unconstitutional move that arbitrarily bifurcated Naga ancestral land without the consent of landowners. Consequently, the TNL stated they do not recognize Kangpokpi as a separate district, viewing it instead as an administrative part of Senapati.
Warning Against Escalation
Citing the fragile security situation in Manipur, the apex Tangkhul customary body has directed all Kuki villages within its jurisdiction to refrain from erecting any provocative signage and to refuse compliance with orders to pay taxes to Kangpokpi authorities.
The TNL reiterated that any defiance of this directive would likely escalate the already volatile situation in the state.