Imphal: A memorandum has been submitted by three prominent Rongmei Naga organizations: the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, Ntayphay Luangrian (RNCM NTL), the Chief/Chairman Association, Ntayphay Luangrian (Kangpokpi and Churachandpur District), and the Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization, Manipur (RNSOM) to the Chief Minister, N Biren Singh on June 15.
The memorandum pointed out the pressing issues faced by the Rongmei Naga communities in the Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. The primary demand is for the shifting of district administrative and developmental programs of Rongmei Naga villages from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts to Noney district for administrative convenience and better governance.
Key Points of the Memorandum:
- Administrative Inconveniences and Marginalization
- “That, it has been the long awaited dreams of the Ntayphay Luangrian (Foothills) to merge under Noney District Administration for our conveniences. The Rongmei Naga people are not a minority tribe among the tribal communities of Manipur. But the Rongmei Naga peoples are divided and scattered into different administrative areas and reducing the Rongmei Naga people to a minority status in Churachandpur and the present Kangpokpi Districts of Manipur. We are given a step-motherly treatment in all spheres of lives for more than 3 decades.”
- Impact of Ongoing Ethnic Clashes:
- “That, due to ongoing ethnic clash between two communities in Manipur since 03rd May, 2023, daily normal chores of the public irrespective of the communities are even more badly affected. We, the Naga public in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi Districts are also badly affected, bearing the brunt of the conflict. Our movement in these two district headquarters for daily administrative and business works are put to total halt due to frisking, threatening and harassments. All Govt. schemes like MGNREGA, NFSA, PMJAY, Anganwadi, Old age pension, etc. has been completely inaccessible due to biased administration toward the minority Naga community in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi Districts in the pretext of the current conflict.”
- NH-37 and Security Concerns:
- “The NH-37 is the 2nd lifeline of Manipur. Despite all efforts the Kangpokpi District Administration and Police are unable to discharge their duties properly and take care of the Highways starting from Keithelmanbi to Pongringlong due to the distance factor. While Noney District Hq is closer to the said stretch and handling over of the whole jurisdictions that falls under Kangpokpi District along the NH 37 to Noney District will greatly improve the overall security concerns.”
The list of Rongmei Naga Villages for consideration mentioned in the memorandum to N Biren Singh are:
Churachandpur District:
- Laimanai Kabui Village (Thingpui)
- Tokpa Kabui Village (Zeihkuluang)
- New Canaan Village
- Majuron Kabui Village
- Chaiba Village (Chalungkhou)
- Ngarian Kabui Village (Raengzaeng)
- Kokadan Kabui Village (Daruan)
- Gilgal Village
- Dimjanglong Village
- Sadu Khoiroi Village (Raengdailuang)
- Lamdan Kabui Village
- Thenjang Village
- Dimdonlong Village
- Gaisemlong Village
- Digaijang Village
- Pungsanmai Village (Chingmei Kabui)
Kangpokpi District (Sadar Hills):
- Chini Inkhol Village (Chinikon)
- Siangai Namdai (Parengba) Village
- Siangai Namkao Village
- Wainem Kabui Village
- Sadu Monsangba Village (Tuangluang)
- Nungang Kabui Village (Chuangphun)
- Maha Kabui Village (Namching)
- Natok Kabui Village (Tumta)
- Laimanai Kabui Village (Ramgailuang)
- Khonglong Kabui Village
- Namthanjang Rongmei Village
- Charoi Pandongba Village (Pongringluang)
The memorandum, signed by Jeanthui Panmei (General Secretary, RNSOM), Gaidingmei Gonmei (Chairman, RNCM Ntayphay Luangrian), and K Adim (Chairman, Rongmei Village Chief/Chairman Association, Ntayphay Luangrian), expresses hope for prompt and favorable action to alleviate the long-standing issues faced by the Rongmei Naga people in these districts.
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