Trucks torched, RNSOM boycotts Kukis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 13 2024: While denouncing the attack on supply trucks bound for Noney and Tamenglong districts allegedly by armed Kuki militants, Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) declared total prohibition on supply of essential items in Kuki populated areas in the two districts with immediate effect until further notice.

In a release, RNSOM general secretary Jeanthui Panmei pointed out that amid the unrest situation, the Rongmei Naga community had been striving to restore peace and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities on humanitarian ground, while working alongside the government to promote coex istence and stability in the society.

Despite such genuine efforts, armed Kuki militants fired over hundred rounds from automatic rifles on two trucks (MN05C3992 and AS 11 3577) and set the vehicles ablaze.

These trucks were transporting essential commodities, including rice, onions, and potatoes to Noney, and Tamenglong districts.

In response to the,act of terrorism and in the absence of any other recourse RNSOM decided to declare total boycott of all supplies to the Kukis in Tamenglong and Noney districts, the secretary affirmed, reasoning that the decision is direct fallout of the irresponsible and violent actions by the Kuki militants, which have compromised the peaceful atmosphere within the region.

It is not simply an attack on the trucks, but an attack on the entire citizen of the Naga-dominated districts, Jeanthui added.

In separate releases, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) and Nungba Area Village Authority Association (NAVAA) also denounced the attack by suspected Kuki militants on the two trucks carrying essential commodities.

Recalling repeated appeals made to parties concerned to refrain from any acts of violence towards commuters and goods belonging to the Ropgmei Naga tribe, who have nothing to do with the current communal conflict in Manipur, RNCM cautioned that continued indulgence in wilful act of violence against one community is logically considered an act of provocation that might possibly lead to serious consequences.

Meanwhile, NAVAA also clarified that it does not subscribe to declaration of RNSOM to ban transportation of essential commodities to Kuki area as the decision tantamount to inciting communalism.

Besides, UNC, the apex Naga body of Manipur in its consultative meeting held on May 16, 2023 resolved to remain neutral in the Kuki-Meetei clash and to play the role of peace maker, it continued.

NAVAA also announced that no organisation/CSO shall resort to any activities in areas under its jurisdiction which may disturb public peace and tranquillity.

Anyone/CSO violating the directive would be dealt with sternly, NAVAA cautioned.

Comment