WC TNL slams Manipur HM’s remarks on ‘external aggression’

IMPHAL, MAY 11: The working committee, Tangkhul Naga Long (WC TNL) has strongly criticised Manipur Home Minister’s statement that there was “no foreign aggression” in the recent attacks on villages in Kamjong district.
In a press release issued by its working committee, WC TNL said the Home Minister’s remarks, made after his visit to Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro villages on May 9, were “unfortunate and insensitive.” The organisation alleged that the statement appeared to shield “Kuki narco-terrorists” and added to the suffering of Tangkhul Naga villagers affected by the attacks.
According to WC TNL, homes, properties, and livelihoods were destroyed during the May 7 attacks on the three villages. The organisation claimed there was clear video evidence recorded by the Assam Rifles showing that Choro village was attacked by KNA-B militants. It also said eyewitnesses reported that the attackers came from across the Indo-Myanmar border. WC TNL further stated that the Assam Rifles had confirmed the rescue of a Tangkhul Naga woman allegedly abducted by KNA-B and Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ) from Namlee village on May 9.
The organisation pointed out that a suo motu case had also been registered by Kamjong Police and questioned why the Home Minister denied the possibility of external aggression despite the available evidence.
WC TNL also referred to a statement by local MLA Leishiyo Keishing, who had reportedly described the attacks as an act of “external aggression” carried out by suspected KNA-B and PDF militants during his visit to the affected villages on May 8. The organisation questioned how more than 100 heavily armed militants could have carried out the attacks in border areas where only a small Kuki population exists. WC TNL also raised concerns about the role of the Assam Rifles, alleging that personnel stationed near Choro village reached the site nearly three hours after the attack began. WC TNL demanded that the Home Minister clarify his statement.
denying foreign aggression. It warned that Tangkhul civil society organisations may take action if no clarification is issued.