RNPO urges sanity on either side
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, June 10 2024: The Rongmei Naga People's Organisation (RNPO)-Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and elsewhere - said it is deeply concerned over the "flare up of communal tension and ethnic violence" between the Kuki-Zo tribal groups and the Meitei community at Jiribam.

In a statement issued today, the RNPO said that, in this flare up property worth crores of rupees has been burnt down and destroyed on both sides.

Besides, lives of innocent citizens of both the communities have been affected.

"The RNPO on behalf of the entire Rongmei community would like to appeal to the leaders including civil society organizations and general public of both the communities to hold out their olive branch in order to save the innocent general public of both sides and their valuable property (assets)".

The RNPO also appealed to "armed outfits and militant groups" of both the communities to shun violence and come to people to people dialogue to restore normalcy in the strife torn State of Manipur at the earliest in larger public interest.

Sharing the grief and sorrow of the bereaved families RNPO however strongly condemned the violent activities perpetrated through "mob and armed outfits" on the innocent public of both sides.

The RNPO also appealed to both the Central Government and the State Government to deploy adequate security to protect the lives and properties of the innocent public of both the communities.

The Rongmei body also urged both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to intervene and bring an amicable and acceptable solution at the earliest possible.

Jiribam is one of the smallest districts with a "cosmopolitan demography", said the RNPO and elaborated that said Kuki-Zo, Rongmei Naga, Meitei, Meitei Pangal, Bengali, Khasi etc.

have been residing together peacefully for the last many years.

Further, the RNPO said Jiribam district borders Tamenglong district whose population consists of Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Inpui (Naga groups) and also some Kuki-Zo pockets and Khasis.

The RNPO also appealed to the people of the State to respect the sanctity of the district boundary of the respective district "prior to the creation of seven new districts in 2016 by the Government of Manipur" .

The RNPO reminded the people including those "conflicting communities" that Naga people in their consultative meeting under the aegis of United Naga Council (UNC) on May 16, 2023 at Senapati resolved that "Naga people as a whole in the State of Manipur would maintain neutrality and play the role of peace maker in the ongoing Kuki-Zo Meitei ethnic conflict.

"As part and parcel of the big Naga family, we the Rongmeis have been maintaining neutrality with regard to the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities", the RNPO added.

However, the RNPO said the Naga community has been extending humanitarian services to both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo innocent public whenever and wherever they have been in need of "our services" .

Hence, the RNPO appealed to both the "conflicting communities" to remain always aware of this position and not to harm the Rongmei innocent people and their properties wherever they live within the State and without.

Comment