A sharply worded and urgent press communiqué issued on April 23, 2026, by the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) in Ukhrul has brought renewed attention to what it describes as a grave and rapidly deteriorating security crisis in Manipur. The statement accuses armed cadres operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement of unleashing sustained violence against Tangkhul Naga civilians across the districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong.
According to the TNL, the violence—traced back to February 8, 2026, in Litan—has spiraled into what it characterizes as a campaign of intimidation and terror. Villages have reportedly faced repeated armed assaults, forcing residents into a state of constant fear and uncertainty. The communiqué underscores that the situation is no longer sporadic unrest but a sustained breakdown of law and order.
The latest incident, described in stark terms, involved heavy gunfire and bombing in Sinakeithei village, where civilians were once again caught in the crossfire. A 27-year-old resident was critically injured after being shot in the ankle, allegedly by a sniper using advanced weaponry. He remains under medical care in Ukhrul. The TNL condemned the attack as a “deliberate and cowardly act” targeting unarmed civilians.
Beyond isolated attacks, the communiqué alleges a broader pattern of coercion and control. Key routes such as National Highway 202-A—vital for transport and connectivity—have reportedly been obstructed, effectively isolating communities and disrupting daily life. The statement further accuses militant elements of engaging in abductions, extortion, and ambushes along the highway, contributing to casualties and widespread panic.
The TNL asserts that the cumulative impact of these actions has been devastating: livelihoods disrupted, movement curtailed, and entire communities forced to live under the shadow of violence for months. It stresses that such conditions are intolerable and cannot be allowed to persist.
While noting that the Tangkhul Naga community has exercised restraint despite repeated provocations, the organization makes it clear that patience is wearing thin. The communiqué calls on both the state and central governments to move beyond rhetoric and take immediate, decisive action. It demands strict enforcement of the SoO agreement and accountability for those accused of violating it.
The statement also presses for the restoration of full governmental control in the affected areas, particularly in regions where armed groups are alleged to operate openly. It warns that any further delay in addressing the crisis risks deepening instability and could lead to more severe consequences.
As tensions continue to mount, the situation in Manipur’s hill districts stands at a critical juncture. The TNL’s message is unequivocal: without swift and firm intervention, the cycle of violence may escalate further, with dire implications for civilian safety and regional stability.
