The Central Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (TNFO) has rebutted the statement issued by the Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul on 2 August 2026. TNFO calls it misleading and represents a deliberate attempt to distort the historical, customary, and legal realities concerning National Highway-202 and the traditional jurisdiction of the Tangkhul Naga people. TNFO urged WCKCSOs-Ukhrul to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its 48-hour ultimatum and refrain from any attempt to obstruct National Highway-202 (NH-202). Any action that disrupts the free movement of people, goods, or essential services along the highway will be viewed as an act for which WCKCSOs-Ukhrul must bear full responsibility
The statement issued by the Media Cell/Information and Publicity Cell, CWC, TNFO stated that “first and foremost, NH-202 traverses’ areas that fall within the ancestral homeland and traditional jurisdiction of the Tangkhul Naga community. For generations, these lands have been administered under the customary authority of Tangkhul village institutions and their respective headmen. This historical and customary position cannot be erased or redefined through political statements or unilateral actions.
“The statement issued by the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul dated 02 August 2026 is not only misleading but also represents a deliberate attempt to distort the historical, customary, and legal realities concerning National Highway-202 and the traditional jurisdiction of the Tangkhul Naga people. It must be clearly stated that the position being followed by the Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (TNFO), along with other Tangkhul civil society organisations (CSOs), is in accordance with the directive issued by the apex body of the Tangkhul Naga Long Press Statement dated 25th Feb. 2026 regarding the severance of economic and civic ties cut off. That directive was collectively adopted and has since been consistently implemented by all concerned Tangkhul CSOs as a unified and coordinated course of action.
“This collective position was adopted in response to repeated incidents of violence, intimidation, and other actions perpetrated by Kuki militant groups, which, according to the organisations concerned, continued despite calls for restraint and peaceful coexistence. The directive reflects a coordinated response by Tangkhul civil society organisations to what they consider a persistent pattern of security and community-related concerns affecting Tangkhul Naga areas.
“The attempt by the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul to portray their proposed blockade as a humanitarian movement cannot justify obstructing a national highway that serves thousands of people from different communities. National highways are public infrastructure meant for all citizens and cannot become instruments of political pressure by any organization.
“The issuance of a 48-hour ultimatum and the threat of a total shutdown are deeply irresponsible and highly provocative. Such actions will only heighten tensions, disrupt public life, and further aggravate an already sensitive situation. Rather than resorting to coercive measures and unfounded claims, those concerned should acknowledge the realities of their present settlement. If peaceful coexistence is the objective, it must be pursued through mutual respect, restraint, and recognition of historical and customary realities, not through threats, intimidation, or attempts to impose unilateral claims.
“We also urge the Government of Manipur and the competent authorities to take immediate and effective measures to ensure that NH-202 remains open, secure, and accessible to all. The Government has a constitutional obligation to uphold the rule of law, protect public infrastructure, and guarantee the free movement of every citizen without fear or intimidation.
“We therefore call upon the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its 48-hour ultimatum and refrain from any attempt to obstruct National Highway-202 (NH-202). Any action that disrupts the free movement of people, goods, or essential services along the highway will be viewed as an act for which WCKCSOs-Ukhrul must bear full responsibility.
“Should the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul fail to withdraw its ultimatum and any untoward incident or breach of peace subsequently occurs as a result of its actions, the responsibility shall rest solely and entirely with WCKCSOs-Ukhrul. Neither the Government nor the Tangkhul Apex Body shall be held responsible for the consequences arising from such actions” added the statement of Media Cell/Information and Publicity Cell, CWC, TNFO.
