NPO condemns
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, February 18 2024: The Naga Peoples' Organization (NPO), Senapati, while ta-king strong exception to the innumerable sufferings, harassments and assaults faced by the people of Senapati district from both the Kuki and Meitei commu-nities has demanded both the communities to desist from constant provocations towards the innocent Naga populace of Senapati district and Nagas in general.

The NPO stated that the Nagas have been maintaining neutrality thus far in the hope that peace and normalcy will soon return to the State of Manipur.

Unwanted provocations from the two communities of Meitei and Kuki in the recent days are uncalled for.

The patience and silence of the Nagas are running out, it stated.

The recent provocation on February 16, 2024 occurred at around 1 pm at Phyapou village in Kang-pokpi area, where automatic weapons were fired towards the tranquil villagers from J Songtung (Kuki village) .

Providentially, no causalities were reported but a fear psychosis and a sense of insecurity have enveloped the innocent villagers.

The incident at Sekmai, where four drivers and a handyman were brutally manhandled at around 10.30 pm on February 16 by some armed miscreants is condemned with equal intensity, the NPO said.

People of Manipur have witnessed enough bloodsheds and atrocities.

It is best for both the Meitei and Kuki communities to abstain from further aggravating the situation.

Such incidents are not stray ones but anticipated, it said.

The NPO also urged the law enforcing agency to nab the culprits and award them befitting punishments.

The All Naga Traders Association (ANTAM) has also condemned the assault on truck drivers and handymen.

The association said that such barbaric acts have no place in a civilised society.

ANTAM urged the law enforcing agencies and the Government to spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring they receive appropriate punishment.

It also pledged support to the call of Senapati District Truck Owners Association and the Senapati District Drivers Union for an indefinite economic blockade if their demands are not met.

The Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM) has also condemned the assault in the strongest terms.

"Let it be known that such barbaric acts will not be tolerated by any right thinking individuals or community, and we refuse to remain silent in the face of such egregious transgressions," it said in a statement.

The drivers and handymen, who tirelessly brave the perils of the road to supply essential commodities to the State, deserve the utmost respect and protection, especially amidst the present tension between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo, it said.

It further stated that on February 16, a reprehensible incident unfolded at Phyapou (Naga village), where automatic weapons were callously fired towards the village from J Songtung Kuki village.

"While, thankfully, no casualties were reported, the malevolent intentions behind such an act cannot be overstated.

The student body vehemently questions the motives of those responsible and sternly warn against any further attempts to incite discord among the peace-loving Naga brethren," said PNTM.

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