The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has firmly dismissed allegations made by the Kuki CSOs Working Committee, Ukhrul, in their statement dated April 16, 2026.
In a press communiqué issued from its Ukhrul Headquarters today, the TNL categorically stated that there is no NSCN (IM) cadre by the name of Col. Chipemi present in Sinakeithei village, Ukhrul District.
The TNL communiqué asserted that since the initial attack on Sinakeithei village by Kuki cadres under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact and other illegal militants in late February 2026, the village has been protected exclusively by local village volunteers.
The TNL accused the Kuki CSOs of using “made-up names and false narratives” to mislead the public. It claimed that similar tactics were used in the Kuki CSOs’ earlier press statement on April 10, where the allegations were found to be “completely fabricated.”
The communiqué further alleged that Sinakeithei village has been under incessant attacks from Kuki cadres under SoO, illegal Kuki militants, Kuki Village Volunteers (VVGs), and narco-terrorists. These operations are allegedly overseen by Seipu Doungel from Dongsun Kuki village, who had openly threatened the Sinakeithei Village Authority that “Sinakeithei would face the full might of Kuki militants.”
According to the TNL, Kuki armed groups have been strengthening their positions around Lungter Hills and transporting arms, ammunition, and militants using the Leplen-Tingpibung road. This road, initially allowed on humanitarian grounds, was later de-sanctioned by the Sinakeithei Village Authority through a Public Safety Order dated 12th March 2026.
The order was issued under the legal provisions of Article 371C of the Indian Constitution and the Manipur Village Authorities Act 1956 to prevent infiltration of illegal militants and to safeguard both Tangkhul Naga and Kuki civilians.
The TNL clarified that village volunteers have only monitored movement on the road and have never fired upon civilians escorted by security forces, calling the Kuki CSOs’ claim “completely unfounded and false.”
