A Tangkhul Naga student and civil-society group in Manipur has warned that residents of sensitive India–Myanmar border areas could seek help from neighbouring countries such as China if their security concerns continue to be ignored.
The group urged the central and Manipur governments to take immediate steps to protect indigenous residents, particularly those living in vulnerable border areas. The warning comes amid continuing tension linked to conflict between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities.
Group's warning to the governments
In Imphal, Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL), also known as the Southern Tangkhul Students Union, raised the concern. Its president, Yarchuiso Kashung, said the community had reached a point of deep exhaustion.
Kashung said that if the Manipur and Indian governments were unable or unwilling to protect indigenous people, especially those in sensitive border locations, residents would have no option other than seeking assistance from neighbouring countries such as China.
The group also demanded immediate action to ensure the safety of Naga civilians. Kashung said the chief minister should voluntarily resign if he is unable to protect the state and its people.
Concerns over killings
Kashung referred to recent killings of Naga civilians in Tamenglong, Senapati and Kamjong. The incidents cited by the group included the killing of a 17-year-old Liangmei Naga boy in Pilong, Kamjong, along with 3 Mao Naga civilians and 4 Tangkhul Naga civilians.
The organisation has sought answers from the government over these deaths. It also described a growing sense of alienation among people living in border areas, saying they feel ignored by both the Manipur and central governments.
Conflict toll remains disputed
The statement was issued amid tension connected with the Naga-Kuki-Zo conflict, which the report places as beginning in February. The supplied account gives conflicting figures for the number of deaths: one part refers to 60 deaths since violence began, while another says about 50 people from both sides have died.
The same account says 22 people were killed in the previous month, with 11 from each side. Because these figures are inconsistent within the report, the overall death toll requires clarification.
Conclusion
The Naga group is seeking immediate protection for civilians in border areas and accountability over the killings it cited. It has also warned that continued neglect could lead residents to seek help from neighbouring countries such as China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which group issued the warning?
Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL), also known as the Southern Tangkhul Students Union, issued the warning.
Q. Who is the group's president?
Yarchuiso Kashung is the group's president.
Q. What did the group warn about?
It warned that Naga residents in sensitive border areas could seek help from neighbouring countries such as China if their security concerns remain unaddressed.
Q. Which areas were linked to recent killings?
The group referred to Tamenglong, Senapati and Kamjong.
Q. Who was among those killed in the incidents cited?
The account referred to a 17-year-old Liangmei Naga boy, 3 Mao Naga civilians and 4 Tangkhul Naga civilians.
Q. What did the group demand from the government?
It demanded immediate protection for Naga civilians and answers over the killings.
Q. What did Kashung say about the chief minister?
He said the chief minister should voluntarily resign if he cannot protect the state and its people.
Q. How many deaths were reported in the conflict?
The account gives conflicting figures, referring to both 60 deaths and about 50 deaths. It also says 22 people were killed in the previous month, including 11 from each side.
