Ukhrul/Kamjong, May 27: The Naga Village Guard, Eastern Command (NVG-EC), on Wednesday issued a strong press statement warning the Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ), Kuki-Zo-Gam, of “serious ramifications” over what it termed as “baseless allegations” levelled against Tangkhul Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and alleged allied armed groups.
In a press statement issued on May 27, the NVG Eastern Command expressed strong objection to a statement released by the VVEZ, accusing it of spreading misinformation and making unsubstantiated claims regarding an alleged economic embargo imposed on the Kuki population in Kamjong district.
The NVG-EC stated that the allegations made by the VVEZ against Tangkhul CSOs and purported “allied armed militants” were “replete with ironies, falsifications and concealment of truths” surrounding the ongoing tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur.
Questioning the basis of the allegations, the NVG asked what had triggered the prevailing Kuki-Naga conflict in the state and who had contributed to escalating tensions. It further questioned the claim of an “economic embargo,” stating that free movement along National Highway-202, which connects Tangkhul areas, had allegedly remained disrupted for over three months.
The statement alleged that armed Kuki groups backed under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, along with what it termed “illegal immigrants,” had repeatedly carried out hostilities and armed offensives against several Tangkhul Naga villages. Villages named in the statement included Sinakeithei, Thawai, Sharkaphung (Sikibung), Litan, Leingangching (Laho), Choro, Wanglee and Namlee under Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
The NVG-EC also referred to incidents where Tangkhul civilians and Naga Village Guards were allegedly ambushed on national highways and in Ringui Hills, resulting in casualties and injuries. It claimed that despite such incidents, the Tangkhul Nagas had shown restraint.
Further, the organisation asserted that Kuki villagers residing in areas such as Kachouphung Kuki, Lanchah, Maokot, C Mollen, Gambal and Khoikai in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts had allegedly been allowed safe passage since the outbreak of violence, stating that no harm had been caused to those civilians.
Responding specifically to allegations regarding economic restrictions, the NVG-EC maintained that Tangkhul CSOs had “nothing to do” with any economic embargo or movement restrictions, alleging instead that such conditions arose from acts of aggression by “real owners of the land” against shelters allegedly occupied by immigrant Kukis.
The statement also objected to VVEZ’s use of the phrase “allied armed militants,” cautioning against naming groups without evidence. It warned the VVEZ against issuing what it described as “unwarranted ultimatum” and threats toward the Tangkhul Naga community.
“The VVEZ must watch their mouth before issuing unwarranted ultimatum and spilling threats against the Tangkhul Naga community,” the statement read, adding that any fallout beyond the “24 hours” deadline reportedly issued by the VVEZ could lead to “serious ramifications.”
The statement was issued by the Media Cell, NVG Eastern Command.
Editor’s Note: The report is based on claims made in an official press statement issued by the NVG Eastern Command. Independent verification of the allegations and counterclaims could not be immediately confirmed.
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