TNL rubbishes CM's declaration at Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, October 21 2023:
The apex Tangkhul body, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has rubbished the public decla-ration made by Chief Minister N Biren Singh about the Tangkhul and Meitei being blood brothers on his visit to Ukhrul town.
TNL, in a press statement, said it is compelled to remind that it does not recognize the authority of CM N Biren Singh to define the blood relation of the Tang-khul tribe.
During a public meeting held at the mini Secretariat office on October 18, Chief Minister N Biren Singh made a public declaration in the presence of his cabinet Ministers including host MLAs, Tangkhul CSO leaders and DLOs that Tangkhul and Meitei are blood brothers.
The TNL is constrained to issue this statement to clear the air in the backdrop of widespread public outrage and confusion regar- ding the visit of CM N Biren Singh to Ukhrul and related activities thereof, it said.
TNL as the apex Tang-khul 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 said.
"Although, 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 Govern- ment is merely doing its mandated duty and not bestowing any extraordinary largesse to us", the apex Tangkhul body asserted.
The TNL said 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 to TNL.
Yet, TNL 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.
"TNL and 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 added.