Rongmei bodies say no to SoO camps
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, July 07 2025: Several Rongmei frontal organisations have submitted a joint memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah today opposing any plan by the Govemment to open designated camps of Kuki militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO) in "Naga areas" .

The joint memorandum was submitted to Amit Shah by the Rongmei Naga People Organization (RNPO), Rongmei Naga Students' Organization Manipur (RNSOM) and the Rongmei Naga Youth Organization Manipur (RNYOM) .

"As per the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), some designated camps of the Kuki militants under SoO would be shifted away from Meitei settlements and National Highways.

Accordingly, it is learnt that a joint enquiry/survey for resettlement of shifted designated camps of the Kuki militants under SoO has been going on and locations like Kotlen on NH-37 near Assam Rifles camp is one of the identified places for new designated camps of the SoO groups", the joint memorandum mentioned.

Further, Kangchup area near Singda Dam is proposed for the same within Kangpokpi district, it also said.

Besides, it is also learnt that the Loktak Project area under Henglep Assembly Constituency in Churachandpur district is also targeted for the said designated camp, the joint memorandum stated.

"Here, we place our strong objection that no designated camp should be allowed to open in Naga areas particularly starting from Makhan Liangmai Naga village near Kanglatongbi to Chinikon Rongmei village (North to South) from Kangchup Chiru Chengdailong (Irang) to Charoi Pandongba, Kotlen, Talamlong (Waphong) from East to West and Namching-Khonglong along NH 37 to the South upto Chinikon within Kangpokpi district since these areas were most sensitive which witnessed clashes between Kukis and Nagas during the last ethnic clash from 1993 to 1998", the memorandum added.

Another targeted area as per a reliable source is the Loktak Project area i.e., from Rangjang Ngaryan Rongmei Naga village and Thingpui (Laimanai) under Churachandpur district to Leimatak in Noney district, it also stated.

"Therefore, we will not allow opening of any designated camps of the Kuki militant groups in the Naga areas mentioned above.

In the event of resettlement/shifting of such camps in our area/territory, we will oppose it tooth and nail with like minded civil society organisations and the public", the Rongmei bodies also said, adding, "We would like to caution the Government not to invite another tension while trying to solve the Kuki issues" .

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