We are neutral, don't harass us : JTSANPF explains stand to CoTU
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2023: While stating that it neither supports Kuki nor the Meitei in the present conflict, the Joint Tribe Students' Association (JTSA) has appealed to both communities not to harm or harass any Naga citizens to avoid unwanted incidents.

The Naga People's Front (NPF) has also expressed disappointment with the Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills and clarified that the statement made by the president of the NPF State unit to end the violence was not his personal opinion but a decision of the party.

The JTSA, comprising of All Inpui Students' Union (AISU), Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKRM), Rongmei Students' Organization, Manipur (RNSOM) and Zeme Students' Organization, Manipur (ZSOM), said the Inpui, Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei folks are peace loving people residing in the districts of Senapati, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Noney, Imphal East and Imphal West and they believe in peaceful coexistence of all the communities.

In a statement, the JTSA said a body asking Tribal Ministers, particularly, Awangbow Newmai not to call for an end to the blockade on National Highway is unfortunate.

"Such distress and reckless statement targeting our representative is viewed seriously.

Holding the post of Relief and Disaster Management, the Minister has been executing and appealing day and night to bring normalcy in our State since day one and as such is worth to be praised," it said.

Commuters have been travelling daily from Tamei to Imphal via Kangpokpi and Tamenglong to Imphal via Noney.

The association denounces and condemns any form of frisking, halting of vehicles and people within the areas under its jurisdiction, it said, urging authorities concerned and responsible citizens to expedite a peace process for normalcy to return in the State at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Naga People's Front (NPF) has also expressed disappointment with the Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills and clarified that the statement made by the president of the party's State unit was not his personal opinion but a decision of the party.

The appeal was made to all the communities on humanitarian ground to end violence and restore peace and harmony in the State as everyone is facing difficulties specially the students, said a statement of the NPF, MSU signed by its general secretary Honreikhui Kashung.

The NPF, MSU, in an emergency meeting held on May 23, had decided to appeal to all the people to shun violence to bring peace and give safe passage to vehicles and commuters on the National Highways.

The NPF, MSU president was also entrusted with the responsibility to announce the decisions taken during the meeting, the statement clarified.

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