Tied to the broader political landscape, Lien Gangte’s old remarks have again stirred debate, with security agencies investigating potential connections to separatist movements, including the Khalistani faction SFJ. This article takes a closer look at the factions involved and the repercussions of Gangte’s statements
BY Navin Upadhyay
Lien Gangte, the President of the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA) in Canada, finds himself at the center of a controversy involving alleged links to Khalistani separatists. Gangte, a native of Imphal, Manipur, delivered a speech in August 2023 at a Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, that sparked concerns among Indian intelligence agencies and civil society groups. The event is now being revisited by security agencies in light of heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada and renewal of ban on Sikh for Justice (SJF).
A Speech That Sparked Concerns
Gangte’s speech  was held at the same Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara  where Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in June 2023. Addressing a packed audience, Gangte painted a grim picture of the violence in Manipur, detailing horrific accounts and accusing Indian authorities of negligence and complicity.
“In May 2023, our home in Imphal was attacked and burned down by a mob. My 80-year-old father barely escaped with his life. My elder brother and his family fled with just the clothes on their backs,” Gangte recounted, . “Over 120 people have been killed, 7,000 homes looted and destroyed, countless churches burnt, and over 200 valley villages turned to ashes,” he added.
Gangte described the events as “ethnic cleansing,” accusing the Manipur Police of not only failing to protect the Kuki-Zo tribal communities but actively supporting the rioters. He spoke of heinous acts, including a seven-year-old boy, his mother, and a relative being burned alive in an ambulance.
The Kuki-Zo community leader did not hold back in his criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
“When all this was happening, where was our Prime Minister? He visited the US, France, Egypt—everywhere except Manipur, the place that needed his attention the most.”
Gangte’s speech extended beyond Manipur, touching on the broader issue of minority safety in India. “No minority is safe—be it Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians. We condemn these attacks and appeal for Canada’s assistance in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” he implored.
ALSO READ: Banned Sikh Outfit Allegedly incited Manipur Christians to secede
Controversial Aftermath and NAMTA’s Position
NAMTA initially shared a video of the speech on social media, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), but quickly removed the content as tensions between India and Canada escalated. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement accusing “Indian government agents” of involvement in Nijjar’s killing further complicated the situation.
Florence Nianghoihlun Lowe (née Guite), who heads North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA) speaks to @TheQuint about diaspora support, and why it is important for Global Communities to speak about #ManipurViolence @narendramodi
Full YT link👇https://t.co/oMkfzvDIOQ pic.twitter.com/y5W294RACq— Minlian Valte (@valte_min) July 26, 2023
In further damage-control exercise, the Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC), a body  representing Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribes, distanced itself from Gangte’s statements.
“ZCSC truly believes that the continuing violence in Manipur is purely an internal matter of India, and the solution lies within the Indian constitutional framework,” read a statement from the council issued on September 29, 2023.
ALSO READ:Â Kuki Apex Body Rejects Allegations of SFJ Inciting Christians in Manipur to Secede
The council acknowledged the efforts of civil society organizations highlighting the plight of the Zo people but stopped short of endorsing international intervention. Instead, they demanded the creation of a Union Territory with a legislature, carved out of Manipur, for the Zo community.
Intelligence Agencies and Alleged Khalistani Links
In the aftermath of Gangte’s visit to the Gurudwara, intelligence agencies raised concerns about possible attempts by the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to incite Christian communities in Manipur to secede from India.
The SFJ, which operates from offices in New York and California, was reportedly coordinating activities that included calls for secession. The alleged involvement of Christian tribal groups added a new layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
Gangte’s DefenseÂ
Despite the allegations, Gangte and NAMTA have maintained that their primary focus remains the protection and welfare of the Kuki-Zomi tribal communities. NAMTA has consistently condemned human rights abuses, unlawful attacks on civilians, and the destruction of churches and homes.
Gangte defended his speech, stating, “I spoke about the suffering of my people. My intention was never to align with any separatist agenda. Our plea was for humanitarian assistance and the restoration of peace in Manipur.”
NAMTA’s Stance and Activities:
NAMTA has consistently condemned human rights abuses and unlawful attacks on civilians, including the burning of homes, churches, and vehicles, as well as killings and sexual violence. The organization has called for the protection of civilians and the restoration of peace in Manipur.
While NAMTA’s advocacy focuses on the welfare of tribal communities, the association with events involving SFJ has raised concerns about potential links to separatist movements. However, NAMTA has not publicly endorsed any secessionist agendas.
Lien Gangte’s speech and the subsequent controversies have highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. While NAMTA remains committed to humanitarian advocacy, the association with Khalistani elements has raised concerns. As diplomatic tensions between India and Canada persist, the narrative surrounding Manipur’s ethnic strife continues to evolve, with Gangte’s role becoming a focal point of political and security discussions.
