New Delhi: Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL), also known as the Southern Tangkhul Students’ Union, has warned that people in vulnerable Naga-inhabited border areas of Manipur may seek support from neighbouring countries, including China, if the Centre and state government fail to ensure their security. TAKL president, Yarchuiso Kashung made the statement at the Manipur press club in Imphal amid recent killings of Naga civilians.
“If the Manipur government and the government of India are unwilling or unable to protect indigenous citizens, particularly those living in vulnerable border areas, people would have no option but to seek help from neighbouring countries such as China,” Kashung said. The statement was a warning, not an announcement that TAKL had approached China.
Kashung said border residents felt increasingly alienated by what he described as government inaction, saying they felt “not part of Manipur” or India. He added that the chief minister should “voluntarily resign” if unable to protect the state and its people.
The warning followed the killing of four Tangkhul Naga civilians near Pilong village in Kamjong district on September 24 As RNA Media reported earlier. Police said unidentified armed persons suspected to have links with a Myanmar based militant group attacked the villagers close to the India-Myanmar border.
Kashung also cited the killing of a 17-year-old Liangmai Naga boy in Tamenglong and three Mao Naga civilians in Senapati. Naga organizations have alleged that the Myanmar based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) was responsible for the Pilong killings, but the allegation has not been independently established.
He also referred to the May 7 attacks on Z Choro, Namlee and Wanglee in Kamjong. The Manipur home minister, Govindas Konthoujam, told the Manipur assembly in September that one person was injured and 23 houses were burnt, while police were still investigating who carried out the attack.
TAKL seeks stronger protection
TAKL has demanded stronger security for Naga inhabited border villages, monitoring of armed groups and action against unauthorized camps and weapons. Kashung also raised concerns over groups covered by the suspension of operations agreement.
Kamjong and neighbouring hill areas include remote settlements close to Myanmar, where difficult terrain complicates civilian security. The China reference adds geopolitical sensitivity, but there is no evidence linking Beijing either to the attacks or to TAKL’s demands.
The state government has said security was strengthened after the May attacks, but no specific official response to TAKL’s China warning had been reported.