Exercise Utmost Restraint, Maintain Peace, Joint Tribes Council Appeals to Tangkhuls

UKHRUL: In the wake of the Hongbei incident that has left four cadres of the NSCN (IM) Eastern Flank dead, the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) has appealed to the Tangkhuls and to all right-thinking citizens for peace and restraint while cautioning that impulsive actions can lead to further division and suffering among the Nagas.

In a statement, JTC stated that the March 28 incident in Hongbei village has shaken the entire Naga society with grief, anger, and confusion.

Stating that the situation has further escalated with public unrest, including acts of arson and non-cooperation, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, JTC appealed to all sections of society, especially the people of Ukhrul district, to exercise utmost restraint, maintain peace, and refrain from any form of violence or retaliation.

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“While the pain and anger are understandable, actions driven by emotion may lead to further division and suffering among our own people,” JTC stated, while urging the Collective Leadership to investigate the case with utmost transparency, fairness, and urgency, so that truth and justice may prevail without delay. 

It also appealed to the people to wait patiently for the outcome of the inquiry and not allow assumptions or misinformation to guide their actions. 

“Justice must be based on truth, not on impulse,” it stated. 

It continued, “If the guilt is clearly established, it becomes the moral responsibility of all Naga people to take a principled stand. We must collectively distance ourselves and sever all forms of association with any individuals or groups who engage in the shedding of innocent Naga blood. No cause, no organization,and no authority can justify the taking of one’s own brother’s life.”

“This is not merely a moment of crisis— it is a test of our unity, our values, and our commitment to one another as one people,” JTC stated and appealed to all to choose peace over violence, truth over rumor, and unity over division.

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It further called upon all community leaders, civil society organizations, youth, and every responsible citizen to join hands in restoring calm, upholding justice, and preserving the sacred bond of brotherhood.

“Let this painful moment become a turning point— a moment where we rise above anger, stand firm for justice, and reaffirm our commitment to peace and unity. Let us not destroy ourselves from within, but stand together as one people,” it added.