Reacting to chief minister N Biren Singh’s recent declaration about Tangkhul and Meitei being brothers, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Ukhrul on Saturday announced that it does not recognise N Biren Singh’s authority 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, stated a release signed by its president David K Shimray.
It stated that the 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 added.
“TNL and the Tangkhul community are competent enough to know our own history. We also believe 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 said.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) is constrained to issue this statement “to clear the air in the backdrop of widespread public outrage and confusion regarding the visit of N Biren Singh to Ukhrul and related activities,” it mentioned.
It further stated that the 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, it mentioned.
TNL welcomes and appreciates 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 added.
