The Working Committee of the TNL vehemently condemns the brutal unprovoked attack on Naga Village Guard (NVG) carried out today, April 28, by Kuki militants in corroboration with Kuki SoO cadres at Ringui Horei Hill, severely injuring four NVG cadres.
The press communique of Working Committee of TNL reads “the NVGs were on patrol duty within the territorial jurisdiction of Ringui Naga village when they were fired upon by Kuki militants who had set up bunkers inside the jurisdiction of Ringui village, approximately 5-6 kilometers away from the settlement of Ringui village.
“This is the second time in less than a week where Kuki militants have ambushed/attacked NVGs patrolling within Tangkhul Naga jurisdiction. During the first attack between Sirarakhong and Sinakeithei, the attack claimed the life of Horshokmi Jamang while severely injuring four other NVGs. Today, the attack by Kuki militants on the NVGs at Ringui around 10:30 am caused grievous injuries to four NVGs.
“It is ironic that the WC of the Kuki CSO states “We have consistently stood for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect” in their latest Press Release, vide, WC/PR40/04/26, issued on the 28th of April. Ever since the start of the conflict, the Kukis have been attacking a number of Tangkhul Naga villages unprovoked. An ambush carried out by the Kuki militants have also claimed the lives of two innocent civilians along the National Highway 202 near TM Kasom on the 18th of April.
“If, as the WCKCSO states, “they stand for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect” they should convene with their armed groups and ask them to bring their aggression to a halt because this would, without question, bring an end to the violence. However, instead of taking the necessary steps to walk their talk, the WCKCSOs have conveniently resorted to fabricating a narrative of the Tangkhul Nagas being the aggressors which is far from the truth. Such blatant lies and actions lay bare their true intentions to spur violence in the Tangkhul Naga region further with the support of their Kuki militants (both SoO and non SoO groups).
“The Working Committee of the TNL also takes serious issue of the statement where the WCKCSO states “the defence of our land… is non-negotiable.” It is rather ironical that they would claim Ringui Horei hill as their own, attempting to assert ownership with outright disregard for the rightful landowners. It must not be forgotten that they had the nerve to encroach upon our land launching attacks on our NVGs.
“The genesis of the ongoing violence is rooted in the same audacity shown by the Kukis in claiming the land of the Nagas as theirs, and their high handedness and lack of respect towards the real owners of the land.
“As such, the WC of the TNL advises upon the WCKCSOs to refrain from such blatant and controversial statements if peaceful coexistence, which they continuously reiterate, is to be achieved.
“As always, we stand resolute in our conviction to defend our land but not at the cost of fabricating lies and narratives to attract sympathy” added the statement issued by the Media Cell, Working Committee, TNL.
The injured persons are being given treatment at District Hospital Ukhrul. Doctors informed that one person got gunshot injury on the left buttock, another one received gunshot injury on the right leg with fracture of right distal Tibia and another received a gunshot injury on the right upper chest with pneumothorax.
