TNL slams Tony Singsit over ‘False Claims’

Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, May 18:
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has issued a strongly worded rebuttal condemning what it termed a “bogus and malicious narrative” propagated by Tony Singsit in a viral video interview, accusing him of deliberately spreading misinformation and tarnishing the image of the Tangkhul Naga community during the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur.
In a statement released by its Media Cell, the TNL Working Committee expressed “utter exasperation” over Singsit’s remarks, alleging that his claims were not only factually incorrect but also dangerously provocative at a time when communal tensions remain fragile across the hill districts.
According to TNL, Singsit’s May 16 interview falsely blamed the Tangkhul Naga community for orchestrating tensions in Senapati district following the killing of three Thadou Christian leaders in Kangpokpi. The organisation stated that the claims made in the video were riddled with inaccuracies and contradicted official records.
The committee pointed out that Singsit claimed there was only one survivor in the Kangpokpi ambush and cited incorrect figures regarding hostage releases. However, according to official reports, five persons were injured in the attack, while 16 Kuki hostages and 14 Naga hostages were released.
“Claiming to speak from authority, he could not even get the basic facts right,” the TNL statement said, questioning Singsit’s credibility and accusing him of presenting a “completely fabricated order of events” despite being removed from the ground reality.
The Working Committee also criticised attempts by certain Kuki organisations to prematurely blame the Tangkhul Naga community for the ambush while investigations are still underway. It noted that some Thadou groups had suggested the possibility of internal rivalry behind the incident, but alleged that Singsit dismissed such views and instead accused Tangkhuls of manipulating narratives.
“Is he implying that the Tangkhuls possess the power to influence or control another tribe’s internal discourse?” the statement questioned, describing the allegation as irrational and insulting.
Defending the historical conduct of the Tangkhul Naga community, TNL highlighted its humanitarian role during the 2023 Meitei-Kuki conflict, stating that Tangkhul villages provided refuge and assistance to internally displaced persons and ensured safe evacuation of Kuki students during periods of violence.
The organisation maintained that isolated incidents should not be used to portray Tangkhuls as aggressors and alleged that repeated provocations and encroachments had instead tested the community’s patience over time.
Referring to the February 7, 2026 incident at Litan Sareikhong, the TNL stated that the issue must be viewed in the broader context of longstanding tensions rather than as an isolated episode used to stigmatise the Tangkhul community.
The Working Committee reiterated its demand for recognition of traditional land ownership and removal of Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps from areas near Ukhrul district, alleging that several camps had violated ground rules and contributed to insecurity in Naga areas.
Warning against the use of “misinformed mouthpieces” capable of inflaming communal sentiments, the TNL urged all communities and organisations to exercise responsibility in public discourse.
“Baseless propaganda at this critical juncture will only endanger the fragile peace that still exists in the region,” the statement said, calling for restraint, factual accountability, and mutual respect among communities.