Naga Student Body Threatens China Appeal Over Manipur Violence

Imphal: The Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL) threatened to seek assistance from China if the central and state governments fail to protect Naga civilians. TAKL president Yarchuiso Kashung issued the ultimatum Tuesday at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal. He declared, "We are extremely tired at this juncture."

Kashung blasted the government for failing to stop lethal attacks. He cited the recent killing of a 17-year-old Liangmei boy in Tamenglong, the deaths of three Mao Naga civilians in Senapati, and the murder of four Tangkhul Nagas near Pilong in Kamjong. These deaths follow broader unrest spanning Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Noney, Tamenglong, and Senapati districts.

The student leader blamed armed Kuki groups, including those under the Suspension of Operations agreement, for the violence. He specifically identified the Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) as a primary threat to villages along the Indo-Myanmar border. Attacks have forced residents to flee areas like Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro after homes were torched.

Kashung demanded immediate, intelligence-led combing operations to seize illegal weapons and dismantle unauthorized camps. He insisted that the state must boost security deployments at Namlee, Wangle, Kaka, and Pilong. He questioned why border residents face different treatment than those near the borders of Pakistan or Bangladesh. He argued that political ambitions and government formation cannot take priority over human lives.

Kashung also targeted local leadership. He suggested the chief minister take moral responsibility and resign. He further criticized Yumnam Khemchand for using Korean-language phrases in speeches, calling the behavior insensitive to the suffering of the people. TAKL asserts that without urgent, sincere intervention, the state leaves its citizens no choice but to look toward neighboring nations for security.