Ukhrul: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of Tangkhul community has come out strongly against the public declaration made by chief minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh during his recent visit to Ukhrul Headquarters.
During his visit on October 18, 2023 at Ukhrul Headquarters, N Biren Singh had remarked about the blood relation between Tangkhul and Meitei communities in the State. TNL has retorted that it does not recognise the authority of N Biren Singh to define the blood relation of the Tangkhul tribe, nor holds any bearing and meaning to TNL.
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The press release signed by the president of TNL David K Shimray stated that “The Tangkhul Naga Long is constrained to issue this statement to clear the air in the backdrop of widespread public outrage and confusion regarding the visit of Shri N Biren Singh, chief minister of Manipur to Ukhrul and related activities thereof.”
“TNL as the apex Tangkhul body is in no way connected to the State cabinet meeting held in Ukhrul during the CM’s visit. It is also not a party to the joint memorandum submitted by certain Tangkhul CSOs. TNL welcomes and appreciates every move by the state government regarding development works in the district. At the same time, it must be understood that the State government is merely doing its mandated duty and not bestowing any extraordinary largesse to us,” the apex Tangkhul civil body maintained.
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Further, the TNL stated, “Regarding the public declaration by the chief minister about Tangkhul and Meitei being brothers, TNL is compelled to remind that it does not recognise the authority of N Biren Singh to define the blood relation of the Tangkhul tribe – either as head of state government or in his individual capacity. Such a declaration holds no bearing for and meaning of TNL. TNL also does not dismiss or disregard instances of relationships between certain families or clans of Tangkhul and Meitei communities. However, trying to blanket the entire Tangkhul community under one such stray historical and genealogical definition is bereft of any sound logic.”
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Dismissing the State’s chief minister declaration, the press release categorically stated, “TNL and the Tangkhul community are competent enough to know our own history. We also believe in our destiny as an integral part of the Naga nation and do not wish our land to become a Summer Capital, second or any other Capital of Manipur.”
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