Correspondent
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex civil body of the Tangkhul community, has demanded the immediate relocation of Suspension of Operations (SoO) Kuki militant camps from Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur and called for the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the TNL condemned recent incidents of violence in Litan and adjoining Naga villages in Ukhrul district, alleging targeted attacks on Tangkhul villagers and encroachment upon ancestral lands. The body recalled that on February 7, a Tangkhul villager was allegedly attacked in Litan, followed by the assault of school teacher Stalin A Shimray later that evening, which left him grievously injured.
The TNL further alleged that on February 8, armed Kuki militants entered Sikibung/Sharkaphung village and torched more than 23 houses, including that of the village headman. Shots were reportedly fired towards populated areas, creating panic among civilians. Fresh violence was also reported on February 23, when portions of the Lungter Hill Range of Sinakeithei village were set on fire. A villager, Aseng Awungshi, was abducted at gunpoint, while another narrowly escaped after being shot at.
Expressing concern over the open movement of armed SoO cadres in the presence of central security forces, the TNL alleged violations of the revised SoO agreement and claimed the presence of foreign militants, including KNA(B) cadres, in the camps.
It accused certain security forces of siding with Kuki militants instead of protecting Naga rights, and warned against what it described as “demographic engineering” in Naga areas.
The apex body reiterated that Litan Bazaar falls within Tangkhul ancestral territory, citing administrative orders from 2024 and a joint meeting in June 2025 where local chiefs acknowledged Tangkhul land ownership. While highlighting the community’s history of peaceful coexistence and humanitarian assistance during the Meitei–Kuki conflict, the TNL said repeated incidents of harassment have strained relations.
Listing affected areas such as Litan Sareikhong, Mongkot Chepu, Yaolen, Shangai, Zalenbung, Lamlai Chingphe, and Thawai Kuki/Sepiyang, the TNL urged the Centre and state government to relocate SoO camps, evict illegal settlements, and cancel all unauthorized land permits. It also condemned alleged collusion by security forces in the torching of Naga houses and demanded stern legal action against those responsible.
Meanwhile, the TNL instructed Tangkhul villagers to cut civic and economic ties with Kukis immediately, while maintaining that peace and coexistence cannot come at the cost of Naga land ownership and rights.
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