TNL rebuts Kuki CSOs statement, accuses militants of drone-assisted attacks at Thoyee and Sharkaphung villages

Special Correspondent 
Ukhrul, April 6:
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly refuted the allegations made by the Kuki CSOs Working Committee, Ukhrul, expressing grave concern over what it termed as “misleading and selective narratives” surrounding the sermon delivered by Rev. Ramyothing Phungshok and the recent violence reported at Thoyee and Sharkaphung villages.
In a press communiqué, the TNL clarified that while hate speech, provocation, or targeting of civilians must be unequivocally condemned, public statements relating to sensitive ethnic and security issues must remain rooted in verified facts rather than one-sided interpretations. The organisation maintained that Rev. Ramyothing’s sermon was delivered within the context of prevailing circumstances in Ukhrul district and alleged that certain groups had unnecessarily distorted its intent.
The TNL Working Committee also took strong exception to what it described as contradictory claims made by the Kuki CSOs Working Committee regarding peaceful coexistence while allegedly misrepresenting the situation on the ground.
According to TNL, armed Kuki militants launched heavy gunfire towards civilian settlements in Thoyee and Sharkaphung villages beginning around 6 pm on April 5. The firing, it claimed, continued relentlessly throughout the night, creating panic among residents and damaging several homes. The communiqué stated that at least six houses in Thoyee village were struck by bullets during the attack.
The organisation further asserted that villagers did not retaliate despite coming under sustained firing, emphasizing that civilians remained restrained even under extreme provocation. TNL also alleged a serious escalation in tactics, claiming that Kuki militant groups deployed thermal drones during the assault — a development it described as deeply alarming and indicative of increasing militarisation in civilian areas.
“The use of advanced surveillance and attack technology against vulnerable villages represents a dangerous turn in the conflict and places innocent lives at grave risk,” the statement noted.
Expressing disappointment over what it termed as administrative inaction, the TNL criticised both the State and Central governments for failing to intervene decisively despite repeated incidents of violence. The organisation said the continued absence of effective security response raises serious concerns regarding the protection of civilians and maintenance of law and order in the hill districts.
Calling for immediate and firm action, the Tangkhul Naga Long urged authorities to ensure the safety of residents in Thoyee and Sharkaphung, hold perpetrators accountable, and adopt concrete measures to restore peace and stability in the region.
“The people living under fear and uncertainty deserve protection, justice, and an end to the ongoing cycle of violence,” the communiqué added.