The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long is aghast at the statement issued by the Manipur Home Minister on 9th May 2026 implying that there was “no foreign aggression in the Kamjong attack” following his visit to Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro villages under Kamjong district.
The press release issued by the Working Committee TNL stated that “it is deeply unfortunate and insensitive that the Home Minister has openly appeared to shield Kuki narco-terrorists through such a reckless statement. His remarks not only create confusion among the general public but also add insult to the suffering of the Tangkhul Nagas whose homes, properties, and livelihoods were burnt, looted, and destroyed on 7th May 2026 in Choro, Namlee, and Wanglee villages.
“There exists clear video evidence recorded by Assam Rifles personnel on 7th May immediately after the assault, stating that Choro village was attacked by KNA-B. Multiple eyewitnesses have also testified that the coordinated assault originated from across the border, directly implicating KNA-B.
Furthermore, the Assam Rifles themselves confirmed that they rescued a Tangkhul Naga woman from KNA-B on 9th May, stating: “The woman was abducted by KNA (B) and Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ) from Namlee. The release took place south of Z Choro village close to the incident area under the watch of Assam Rifles, Intelligence and other agencies.”
“In addition, a Suo motu case was registered by Kamjong Police [FIR No. 05 (05) 2026/CSD-PS], which stated: “On 7 May 2026 at about 3:30 a.m., some unknown armed miscreants suspected to be KNA (B) (Kuki National Army, Burma), numbering about 50 to 60 and armed with sophisticated firearms, entered Choro village, Kamjong district, by crossing the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) and carried out terrorist attacks using sophisticated weapons, explosives, and drones.”
‘With such overwhelming evidence already on record, what then compelled the Home Minister to outrightly claim that it was ‘not’ an external aggression?
“The Home Minister further claimed that “an official report was not submitted to the government.” If so, what does he consider the Suo motu FIR registered by Kamjong Police to be? Who or what compelled the Home Minister’s statement? On what basis did the Hon’ble Home Minister of Manipur make such an irresponsible and misleading remark? Is he openly acting under the influence of Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Nemcha Kipgen?
“Furthermore, the concerned MLA of 43-AC/ST, Leishiyo Keishing, during his spot visit on 8th May 2026, had clearly stated that the “attack on Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro villages by suspected KNA (B) and PDF militants was an act of external aggression.” Is the Home Minister now implying that an elected MLA, who has sworn an oath under the Constitution of India, is lying?
“If the Home Minister is so confident that there was no foreign aggression, then where did more than 100 heavily armed Kuki narco-terrorists emerge from when only a speck of Kuki settlements exist in those border areas?
“The Home Minister’s visit to the three affected villages on 9th May 2026 was accompanied by the MLAs of 43-AC/ST, 44-AC/ST, and 45-AC/ST. The responsibility now lies with these three elected representatives to make their position clear. When our land, our rights, and our very lives are under attack by Kuki narco-terrorists who now appear to enjoy political protection, our representatives cannot remain mute spectators or blindly follow the state government for political convenience. The time has come for them to stand for truth and justice and call a spade a spade.
“We must also raise the uncomfortable but necessary question of whether the Ministry of Home Affairs is orchestrating this entire crisis as part of a larger agenda to militarize the Naga border areas, despite the Nagas’ longstanding position that the existing border is arbitrary and imposed.
“The true intent of the Assam Rifles also remains deeply questionable. The Assam Rifles company stationed barely half a kilometer away from Choro village arrived at the site nearly three hours after the assault began. Even if the Assam Rifles claim that they couldn’t move in the cover of the night, what excuse remains when this attack happened in broad daylight? Even more disturbingly, the so called “Sentinels of the North-East” visited Namlee and Wanglee villages only the following day after the attacks had already devastated the villages, even though the proximity of their post was barely half a kilometer. Ironically, the same Assam Rifles were just surprisingly swift to claim credit saying ‘Assam Rifles swiftly averts major escalation in Kamjong Manipur’ [PR/056/KOH/2026], a statement that clearly contradicts their action at ground zero.
“It is tragic that during such a critical time for the Tangkhul Naga community, both the state and central governments continue to treat our lives and lands as expendable for political gamesmanship. The Tangkhul Nagas are now forced not only to defend ourselves against relentless assaults by Kuki narco-terrorists and other Kuki SoO groups, but also to endure hypocrisy, indifference, and denial from the very governments entrusted with protecting its citizens.
“Therefore, the Home Minister must immediately clarify the false and deeply offensive statement he has made to feign ignorance of the glaring issue at hand. Failing to do so would force the Tangkhul CSOs to take up necessary action against him as deemed fit” added the press statement issued by the Media Cell, Working Committee, TNL.
