Tangkhul Naga Longnao Delhi, Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi and Tangkhul Naga Shanao Ngarumsak Long Delhi have appealed for peace, justice, unity and dialogue to the esteemed members of the Tangkhul Community.
In a consultation meeting of the Delhi and NCR community convened by Tangkhul Naga Longnao Delhi (TNLD), held in the wake of the events in Hongbei village and the subsequent insurrection in Ukhrul town, we expressed our sadness and engaged in deep reflection. With heavy hearts, we address you in the aftermath of these incidents, which have not only shaken the collective conscience of our community but also left an enduring imprint of anguish, uncertainty, and grief upon us all.
The letter stated “we hereby express our profound sorrow at the loss of our brothers, whose lives were selflessly dedicated to the service and advancement of our nation. We stand in solemn solidarity with their families and loved ones during this time of grief. In this moment of mourning, we respectfully implore justice that is impartial, transparent, and firmly grounded in truth.
Equally distressing and unforeseen was the act of heckling directed at the President of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex institution embodying the collective voice and aspirations of the Tangkhul people. Such conduct not only diminishes the dignity and sanctity of our institutions but also signals a disquieting deviation from the values of mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and communal unity that have guided our society thus far. We beseech all esteemed members and stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the decorum and principles befitting our shared institutions for a collective Tangkhul community.
We acknowledge and respect the decisions undertaken by the frontal Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), under the leadership of TNL, regarding their position of noncooperation with the Wung Tangkhul Region of NSCN-IM. While such actions represent a considered and conscientious response to the prevailing circumstances, they simultaneously underscore the wider implications that internal divisions may pose for the cohesion and collective well-being of the community.
History has shown us that dialogue, however difficult, remains the most powerful instrument of reconciliation and progress. To the CSOs, students, women’s and religious leaders, educated individuals, scholars, intellectuals, activists, elected representatives, village chiefs, elders, youth, and every individual across all walks of life within the Tangkhul community. This is a moment that calls for sincere introspection and responsible action.
The path we choose today will shape the destiny of our generations to come. We must rise above impulses of anger and reaction and instead commit ourselves to building a society anchored in justice, unity, and peace. It is pertinent to recall the scriptural admonition: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matt 12:25). This serves as a solemn reminder of the enduring importance of unity, dialogue, and collective purpose in navigating times of discord.
Let us remember that we are but custodians of this community, heirs to the sacrifices and wisdom of our forefathers and trustees for the future of our younger generation. What we preserve, nurture, and pass on will define not only our legacy but also their inheritance.
May we find the courage to listen, the humility to understand, and the strength to unite. Let these tragic events become a turning point for our people (Tangkhuls) toward healing, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to the values that bind us together. With deepest respect, shared grief, and unwavering hope” stated the statement signed by Prof. (Dr.) Yaruingam Awungshi, President, Tangkhul Naga Longnao Delhi (TNLD), Nganingam Pheiray, President, Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi (TKLD) and Elizabeth Luiram, President, Tangkhul Naga Shanao Ngarumsak Long Delhi (TNSND).
