The Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (TNFO) have vehemently rejected the allegation made by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM).
The statement reads “the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has taken note of the flagrant press release issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur on the 25th of April 2026 under the title “Coordinated Meitei-Tangkhul Militant Build-Up Threatens Kuki-Zo Civilians”.
“At its very core, the Press Release by KIM is a blatant gimmick by the Kuki Inpi Manipur to attract sympathy from people who are ignorant of the prevailing situation in Manipur and of the mendacious nature of the Kukis who always have the victim card up their sleeve.
“The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Nagas and the Kukis was orchestrated by the Kukis in early February with an aim to destabilize the Naga areas in Manipur and to undermine the Naga struggle. for sovereignty and self-determination. Over the course of the conflict, it has come to light that the Ministry of Home Affairs have been pulling the strings, using the Kuki SoO groups as mercenaries against the Tangkhul Nagas.
“This truth is plain for all to see as Kuki SoO groups and Kuki Militant groups have been attacking Tangkhul Naga villages, which KIM has had the courtesy to mention, viz. TM Kasom, Laho, Sharkaphung, Thawai, Tanrui and Sinakeithei without restraint or lack for ammunition. Only mercenary armies supported by a rich government have the capability to shoot hundreds of rounds of automatic rifles each day for two months in more than five locations, upload videos of these atrocities, openly condone violence online and yet get away without any repercussion for these illegal actions.
“Till now, the Tangkhul Nagas have been protecting their lands from the attack of these Kuki mercenaries through village volunteers. A community that has the right to the land do not want nor need the help of other people or communities in defending their land.
“Since KIM have been found wanting of the truth, the WC of the TNL hereby make it unequivocally dear that the allegations made by them regarding the presence of Arambai Tenggol in Sikibung/Sharkaphung is an utter and a complete lie that has no basis..
“To the Government of India, the WC of the TNL hereby firmly state that if any form of peace and normalcy is to be restored in Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts, the first steps lie in the Gol severing their ties with the Kuki SoO groups and relocating/dismantling the 500 camps in these two districts. We stand firm in our conviction to protect our rightful land” added the statement issued by the Media Cell, Working Committee, TNL
The Central Working Committee, Tangkhul Foothills Organisation (TNFO) has also strongly refuted the claims made in the recent press release of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) secretariat, dated 25th April 2026, alleging the presence of Meitei or Tangkhul militants in their areas. “There is no involvement of any group such as Arambai Tenggol or any other militant organization within our village defence system.
“The security arrangements in our areas are being maintained solely by our Naga Village Volunteers, who are committed to safeguarding their own villages and communities in these challenging times. Any attempt to label these local defence efforts as “militant activity” is misleading and unfounded.
“The allegations appear to be based on assumptions rather than ground realities. Projecting the presence of external militant support reflects a mindset shaped by their own experiences, since they got backup support from the SoO Militants and other third party assistance and not by actual conditions in our region.
“Furthermore, the claim that such groups could reach interior villages like Sinakeithei and Sharkaphung is impractical and unrealistic, especially considering the current ground situation and restricted movement along the routes. It’s merely “A thief believes everyone steals” shows how people project their own behaviour onto others. Someone used to dishonesty assumes others are the same, revealing more about their own character than reality.
“We reiterate that our volunteers are acting purely in defence of their land and people. Spreading unverified information only escalates tension and undermines efforts towards peace and stability. Issued with conviction, anchored in truth” added the statement issued by Media/Information & Publicity, CWC, TNFO.
