Ukhrul, July 12: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex civil body of the Tangkhul Nagas, led by TNL President Sword Vashum, submitted a follow-up memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday, urging immediate action on four issues, namely, Indo-Myanmar border fencing, delimitation, ADC elections, and state budget bifurcation. The delegation presented a Tangkhul traditional spear to the Governor.
The TNL came out strongly against the border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar line, calling it a direct threat to Naga unity. It described the fencing as a “colonial relic” — a line drawn without the consent of the people it cuts through.
“This fencing is not just about territory; it is about identity,” the memorandum stated. “It slices through Naga land and seeks to divide our people who share the same blood, history, and culture.”
The TNL accused the Manipur government of using the fencing issue to deflect from its failures, particularly since the May 2023 violence. It made clear that the Naga community will resist the fencing project in every possible way.
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The TNL also raised the issue of unfair delimitation. It pointed out that MLAs from the hills represent constituencies with an average population of 78,000 across tough, hilly terrain, while valley MLAs cover just 43,000 people in 50 square kilometers.
The TNL called for a new delimitation formula that gives proper weight to geography and population. It proposed that of the 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly, 35 should go to hill districts, 22 for Nagas and 13 for Kuki-Chin groups.
On Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), the TNL said they have failed the people. Out of 51 years, the councils have remained non-functional for 26, including the current gap since 2020. It argued that without Sixth Schedule status, the ADCs serve no real purpose and only add to tribal frustration.
“We are no longer willing to take part in this broken system,” said the memorandum. “If there is no written assurance that Sixth Schedule will be implemented within one year of ADC elections, we will not take part in them at all,” TNL said.
The final point raised was the lack of proper budget allocation for hill areas. The TNL said the absence of a separate financial structure between hills and valley has led to systematic neglect and corruption. It referred to the Presidential Order of 1972 and called for immediate implementation of budget bifurcation.
While the TNL said its demands are within the framework of the Constitution, it warned that prolonged silence or delay could push the people toward confrontation.
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The Raj Bhavan Manipur took to X stating, the delegation from the Tangkhul Naga Long, led by its President, Mr. Sword Vashum, called n the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and submitted a memorandum.