The Central Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (TNFO) has rebutted the recent statement issued by the Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul dated 25 April 2025. Individuals found in combat-style clothing and equipped with tactical gear cannot credibly be described as unarmed civilians.
The TNFO stated that “the recent statement by the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul Ref. No.WC/PR39/04/26 issued on 25/04/2026 is a calculated distortion of facts. A Naga Village Volunteers Guard was killed in a deliberate ambush while on patrol, this was not self-defense, but a targeted act of violence conducted by Kuki Refugees Militants.
“The claim that the Kuki deceased were “innocent civilians” is fundamentally flawed. Individuals found in combat-style clothing and equipped with tactical gear cannot credibly be described as unarmed civilians. This contradiction alone exposes the weakness of the narrative being pushed.
“If they were civilians, what explains their presence in operational gear in a conflict situation? Such questions remain unanswered because the claim itself does not withstand scrutiny.
“We categorically reject these narratives and call for accountability grounded in truth. Initiating an ambush on the owners of the land and then “playing the victim card” when the attack is repulsed is a violation of both traditional Naga customary law and the law of the land. Distortion cannot replace facts. An ambush cannot be reframed as victimhood. Repetition of false claims does not make them true it only erodes credibility.
“The criticism over the airlifting of Mr. Ramshang Kamodang and Mr. Shonshok Mahung is equally misplaced. These are injured villagers who were provided urgent medical evacuation. Using state resources to save lives is a humanitarian duty and it is a bounden responsibility of the state government not bias. Portraying it otherwise is a clear attempt to distract from the core issue: the initiation of violence.
“The Kuki CSO claims to be defending their “land.” It must be stated clearly: the Ukhrul, Saikul and Kamjong district is the ancestral home of the Naga community. Any group residing there as guests must respect the local laws and the authority of the original inhabitants” added the statement of Media/Information & Publicity, CWC, TNFO.
