The Central Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation has strongly objected to the indefinite shutdown of National Highway 202 called by the Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul.
The statement issued by the Media/Information & Publicity, CWC, TNFO stated that, “the Central Working Committee, Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (TNFO), strongly objects to the unilateral declaration of shutdown along NH-202 by the so-called Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul.
“NH-202 connecting Imphal-Ukhrul and Imphal-Kamjong passes through Naga ancestral land. No individual group or organisation has the authority to impose domination or ownership over this highway as it belongs exclusively to the Naga community. Such actions are irresponsible and will only further escalate the already sensitive situation in the region.
“We urge the Central Government, Central Forces, State Government, and State Security Forces to take serious note of this matter and ensure that no organisation is allowed to create unnecessary tension or obstruct public movement in Naga areas. Moreover any abduction, kidnapping, intimidation of innocent Naga civilians, or unlawful bandh imposed in Naga-inhabited areas will not be tolerated and will be dealt with strictly according to law and the collective will of the people.
“At the same time, we, the Tangkhul people and as fellow Christians, unequivocally condemn the barbaric killing of the three innocent Christian missionaries/pastors who dedicated their lives in service to humanity and the work of Christ. Such inhuman acts are against the teachings of Christianity and against the values of humanity itself.
“We firmly state that the Tangkhul or Naga as a whole has no involvement whatsoever in this tragic incident, nor have we ever supported such violence. God forbid that we should ever commit such an act against servants of God. We are not inhuman like those who glorify violence and terror against innocent lives. The Naga people stand for humanity, truth, and justice, and we will never support barbaric acts committed against innocent civilians and servants of God.
“Reports and public statements themselves indicate that the attack was allegedly carried out within their own fold. Therefore, it is deeply questionable why certain Kuki organisations are attempting to impose highway blockades in the Naga inhabited areas and create further unrest when the incident itself reportedly occurred within their own fold.
“The truth must be established through proper investigation, and justice must prevail without politicising the tragedy or targeting innocent communities. Otherwise, it may eventually become a “tooth for a tooth” situation, where continued provocation and violence only lead to further retaliation and suffering for all communities involved” added the statement issued by the Media/Information & Publicity, CWC, TNFO
