UKHRUL: Tangkhul Naga civil bodies, led by the apex Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), reached out on Friday to the families of the six Naga civilians who were abducted and subsequently killed by suspected Kuki militants. The TNL President has stated that unity is the only way for the Nagas to move forward and that it would be foolish to go solo.
The team, comprising more than 100 Tangkhul individuals, included leaders of various civil society organisations. They met the victims’ families and several Liangmai Naga civil bodies at Makhan village in Kangpokpi district. A public meeting was held in the Makhan Baptist Church, where the team also met the families of the six Naga martyrs.
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TNL president Sword Vashum said the purpose of the visit was to show concrete solidarity with the Liangmai brethren and the bereaved families. He said there was no way forward in such a time of crisis other than unity, and that it would be foolish to think of going solo. The only way for the Nagas to move forward, he said, is to come together and stand united in truth and justice.
Delivering the solidarity message on behalf of the Tangkhul community, Vashum condemned in the strongest terms the brutal killing of the six Naga men — Rev. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Kenpibou Chawang, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Phennilungbou, Dilip Thiumai, and Kaliwangbou Abonmai. He said they were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13 and subsequently killed by Kuki militants.
“We do not find words strong enough to describe the immensity of inhumanity that leads to such acts of barbarity and savagery,” he said.
He further said that the tragedy should serve as a stark reminder that the strength of the Nagas lies in their emotional and physical unity in the face of every form of inhumanity and challenge. No matter how powerful the adversaries may seem, he added, they cannot defeat the Nagas if they remain united on the path of truth and justice.
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He also expressed deep sorrow and anguish, joining the bereaved families and the wider Naga community in mourning the loss of their brothers, whom he said had been martyred for the cause of Naga unity. He prayed for God’s grace and for the departed souls to rest in peace.
Tangkhul Shanao Long, president of Thingreiphi Lunghar, also expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and said the martyrdom and sacrifice of the six Nagas would pave the way for a better future for the Nagas. She said this was a time of great anguish and also a time when divisions within the community must be acknowledged.
She urged the Naga community to admit its divisions and commit itself to God’s loving care despite its failings. She appealed to all to work in unison towards their common goal and assured the victims’ families of any help they could provide in the days ahead while sharing in their pain. She also called on all to work together as one family in every matter.
Former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Timothy Zimik also expressed solidarity with the grieving families and recounted the sequence of events and the steps he had taken, particularly his appeal letters to the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and Governor. He said he had stated in those letters that the government was siding with the Kukis and appealed to it not to do so.
He said he had also demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and the removal of Kuki militants from the area, but his demands went unheeded. He further said the Kukis had imposed war on the Nagas and that he had urged Naga youth to prepare for it.
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Zimik also said that on May 19, when a team including him met the Major General of the Assam Rifles, they were unofficially told that “things have gone very, very wrong”. He then called on every Naga to be prepared to defend the land, the people, and their identity. He appealed to all to come together, unite, and face the challenges before them.
During the visit, the team provided essential commodities, including 50 bags of rice, cash, and other items. Timothy Zimik also provided financial assistance to the families. The Tangkhul Shanao Long also presented mekhela (women’s shawls) as a mark of solidarity to the six Naga families.
Former MP Mani Charenamei, on behalf of the Liangmai community, acknowledged the visiting team and expressed appreciation for the assistance extended to the community.
