Tangkhul Naga Long declares non-cooperation to NSCN WTR

The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) on Tuesday announced non-cooperation to the WungTangkhul Region (WTR) of the NSCN (I-M) after receiving no positive response to the 12-hour ultimatum served following the killing of four NSCN (I-M) Eastern Flank cadres at Hongbei village, Kamjong district, on March 28 night.
TNL, along with other Tangkhul-based civil society organisations, had issued the ultimatum demanding the handover of the suspects. As the 12-hour deadline ended at 2 pm on Tuesday, and with no compliance, TNL declared non-cooperation to WTR and reportedly asked Tangkhul people not to cooperate with WTR in any manner.
Meanwhile, normal life was disrupted in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts due to a total shutdown imposed by local CSOs in protest against the killing. The Tangkhul Naga Mass Movement enforced a 48-hour shutdown, entering its second day on Tuesday, during which all shops, educational institutions, and businesses remained closed. However, essential services, medical emergencies, and students appearing for exams were exempted.
Separately, Kamjong Student Union (KKL) imposed a total shutdown at the district headquarters from 6 am to 6 pm on Tuesday as a mark of respect for the four cadres. KKL stated the shutdown was observed “to stand in unwavering solidarity with their grieving families.”
FNR calls for restraint, healing: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has expressed deep sorrow over recent developments among the Naga people, stating that the situation was “wholly unbecoming” and unjustifiable.
In a statement issued during Holy Week, FNR said there were no conditions—no “ifs” or “buts”—that could justify anger or retaliation, stressing the need to acknowledge the reality and address it with honesty, patience and discipline.
It cautioned against responses presented as confessions but mixed with self-defence, partial remorse or veiled revenge, warning that such tendencies could prolong the crisis and undermine the collective future. The forum added that the danger lay not only in the incidents themselves but also in uncontrolled emotions that could further damage the community.
FNR said a decisive public response, guided by thoughtful and visionary leadership, was urgently required. It called upon the Naga people to heed the voice of God and not give in to emotions that could harm the future. It stressed the need for moral clarity, communal responsibility and disciplined restraint, adding that only then could healing remain credible and the future intact. It further urged that Holy Week be a time for change, so that Easter Sunday could be celebrated in peace and hope.
NSF condemns killing of 4 NSCN cadres: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed deep sorrow and strongly condemned the killing of four NSCN (I-M) cadres at Hongbei village under Kasom Khullen in Kamjong district on the night of March 28.
In a press note, NSF president Mteisuding Heraang and general secretary Kenilo Kent, stated that at a time when Nagas stand at a crucial juncture awaiting an honourable and inclusive political solution, such incidents of fratricidal violence were unfortunate and detrimental to the collective aspirations of the Naga people. It viewed the incident as a disturbing trend of internal discord driven by vested interests, undermining the unity and integrity of the Naga cause.
NSF said it stood in solidarity with the bereaved families who have refused to accept the mortal remains, demanding truth, accountability and justice. It raised concerns over how individuals committed to the Naga national cause could fall victim to violence within their own ranks and why such incidents continue to occur at a critical phase.
While acknowledging the statement by NSCN (I-M) on an ongoing investigation, the federation urged that the inquiry be conducted in a time-bound, impartial and transparent manner, and that those responsible be held accountable.
NSF also called upon all concerned to exercise restraint, uphold unity and remain committed to the shared vision of peace, dignity and justice for the Naga people, stating that the sanctity of the Naga cause should not be compromised by internal strife and acts of violence.