Liangmai Naga Chief/Chairman Association Clarifies on Viral Statement Regarding Movement of Kukis in Liangmai Naga Areas

The Liangmai Naga Chief/Chairman Association has issued a clarification regarding a viral statement allegedly issued in the name of its president, Poulung Chawang, on Wednesday. The viral statement reportedly prohibited any Kuki individual from passing through Liangmai or Naga areas or routes during the indefinite bandh imposed by the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC).

The statement, issued by President Poulung Chawang of the Liangmai Naga Chief/Chairman Association on Wednesday, clarified that the message widely circulated on social media—under the name of the Eastern Liangmei Naga Chief/Chairman Association—purportedly directing Liangmei or Naga leaders to restrict Kuki movement during the FNCC bandh is entirely false and unauthorized.

“I, Poulung, hereby declare that I have no knowledge of such a statement. I did not authorize, participate in, or endorse the issuance of any such directive. As a responsible leader, I strongly condemn this malicious act aimed at defaming my name and misleading the public,” the president clarified.

He also demanded that the individual responsible for fabricating and circulating the false statement surrender themselves to the Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief/Chairman Association within 24 hours. Failure to do so will compel the association to take necessary legal action under the relevant laws of the land, the statement added.

Furthermore, the president stated that the misuse of the community's name and the Naga identity for such divisive and defamatory purposes is unacceptable. He emphasized that such actions, which seek to tarnish the image of the community, must be condemned by all.

On July 23, a statement circulated in the name of President Poulung Chawang of the Liangmai Naga Chief/Chairman Association claimed that any Kuki individual or group attempting to pass through Liangmai or Naga routes during the FNCC bandh must be prevented from doing so and made to return immediately without delay.

In the event that any Kuki attempts to pass or carry out activities within Liangmai/Naga jurisdiction during the bandh, the viral statement had instructed all local youths and villagers to actively prevent them and take appropriate action to stop their movement.

Additionally, the viral statement stated that no Liangmai or Naga leader should involve themselves in any dialogue or understanding with Kuki community leaders regarding the bandh, and that there should be no form of negotiation or collaboration on the issue by the association.