Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, August 16:
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly condemned the August 14 ambush at Langka Naga village under Kangpokpi district, in which two Naga farmers were killed and two others grievously injured, calling for immediate and decisive action against armed groups responsible for the attack.
According to the TNL, the victims were allegedly attacked by armed Kuki cadres associated with the Kuki National Front (KNF) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) at around 7.30 am on Friday. The deceased were identified as Wirihangbou Chawang, 35, and Kawidinang Abonmai, 54, both residents of Langka Naga village. The injured were identified as Maliangjinang Abonmai, 50, and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 45.
In its press communique, the TNL alleged that a large number of armed cadres, led by KNF leader Jangboi Kipgen and accompanied by KRA cadres, carried out the ambush. The organisation described the incident as a “brutal attack” on innocent Naga villagers and expressed grave concern over what it termed a continuing pattern of armed violence against Naga communities.
The TNL further linked the Langka incident to the recent burning of abandoned houses at Kailenjang on August 10, alleging that the incident was subsequently blamed on Nagas. It said the latest attack had heightened apprehension among villagers already living under prolonged insecurity.
The apex Tangkhul body also questioned the alleged involvement of cadres belonging to groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement with the Government of India, particularly in the wake of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s recent call for armed volunteers to surrender their weapons within 15 days.
The TNL said Naga village volunteers had so far exercised restraint and remained focused on protecting civilians and their villages. It alleged, however, that such restraint was being exploited by armed elements to intensify attacks against Naga communities.
Demanding accountability, the TNL urged both the State and Central governments to immediately rein in armed groups and take necessary legal and security measures against those involved in ambushes, abductions, extortion, arson, looting and killings.
The organisation also appealed for effective action against what it described as armed Kuki groups, narco-terrorist elements and illegal migrants allegedly contributing to insecurity in Naga areas.
The TNL conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of Chawang and Abonmai and prayed for the speedy recovery of the two injured villagers.
Reaffirming its commitment to Naga unity, the TNL said the Tangkhul community would continue to stand with Naga brothers and sisters during the prevailing crisis, while warning that failure by the governments to act decisively could further escalate the conflict and deepen mistrust among communities.
