The Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL) – Tangkhul Naga Headman’s Association in a press release has slammed the Assam Rifles for alleged violation of rule of law. TNAL has resolved that no armed personnel shall enter the territorial jurisdiction of the village without permission or due intimation to the competent village authority.
The press release stated “it has been observed with grave concern that certain bias and one sided actions of the Assam Rifles (AR) within our jurisdiction are inconsistent with the constitutional framework of India, the rule of law, and the statutory authority vested in the village authority under the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956 enacted pursuant of Article 371 (C) of the Constitution of India.
“Under the constitution, every security force operating within the territory of India is duty bound to act strictly in accordance with law and to respect the fundamental rights guaranteed under Part III, of the Constitution particularly Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 21 (protection of life and personnel liberty). Thus, any act of the security forces that creates fear, insecurity, or undermines lawful village administration contravened these constitutional guarantees.
“The Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL), speaking in the spirit of our forefathers and with the collective wisdom of the assembly solemnly issues this statement with a heavy heart and solemn responsibility. From time immemorial, our villages have stood upon the sacred foundation of customary law. Our land is not merely soil it carries the footsteps of our ancestors, the prayers of our mothers and the covenant of our forefathers.
“The Village Authority is not simply an administrative body; it is the living symbol of our unity, dignity and collective will. Under our tradition, no stranger enters the village without knowledge of the elders. No authority acts within our land without first respecting the guardians of the land. This is not defiance – it is order. It is the way peace has been preserved among our people for generations.
“Our customary system, recognized under the Manipur (Village Authority in Hill Areas) Act, 1956 and protected within the constitutional framework of Article 371 (C), stands as a bridge between ancestral governance and modern law. To disregard it is to wound the spirit of the community.
“When village authority is bypassed, it is not the only procedure that is ignored – it is the dignity of the people. It creates fear where there should be trust, and tension where there should be cooperation. Peace cannot flourish where respect is absent.
‘We therefore, remind all authorities that our customs are pillars of our identity. The harmony of our land depends upon mutual respect, consultation and adherence to the established system of governance handed down to us. Let dialogue replace unilateral action.
“Let respect guide authority. Let the wisdom of elders be honored. Our land remembers. Our ancestors watch. Our duty is to protect what they entrusted to us.
“Further, the Manipur (village authorities in Hill Areas) act 1956, legally recognizes the village authority as the competent body entrusted with the administration, maintenance of order, and safe guarding of the customary law and local governance with its jurisdiction. Disregard of the statutory authority of the village authority constitutes a violation of the established law and undermines constitutional decentralization and self-governance.
Therefore, we, The Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL), in our duly convened at Kumpel Longshim (yearly assembly) hereby resolved as follows;
1. To strongly register our constitutional protest against any action that violates the rule of the law and the statutory authority of the village authority.
2. To demand immediate adherence to constitutional principles, statutory provisions, and due respect for local governance institutions.
3. To initiate appropriate democratic and lawful measures, including non- cooperation should such violations continue.
“It is further resolved that no armed personnel shall enter the territorial jurisdiction of the village without permission or due intimation to the competent village authority, except in circumstances expressly permitted by law. Any unauthorized entry shall be treated as a violation Section 16 (a) of the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act 1956 and an infringement upon legally recognized village administration.
“This resolution is adopted in defense of constitutional governance, statutory authority, customary rights and the fundamental rights and dignity of our citizens” stated the press release issued by Joshua Machinao, General Secretary of TNAL.
