Ukhrul, October 21 (MExN): The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has issued a statement on Saturday to “clear the air in the backdrop of widespread public outrage and confusion regarding the visit of N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur to Ukhrul and related activities thereof.”
David K Shimray, President, TNL in a press statement stated that 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 welcome and appreciate 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,” it stated.
Regarding the public declaration by the CM about Tangkhul and Meitei being brothers, it said “TNL is compelled to remind that it does not recognize the authority of N Biren Singh to define the blood relation of the Tangkhul tribe- either as head of a 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 such stray historical and genealogical definition is bereft of any sound logic,” it said.
“TNL and the Tangkhul community are competent enough to know our own history. We also belief in our destiny as an integral part of the Naga nation and do not wish our land to become a Summer, Second or any other Capital of Manipur,” it asserted.
