Imphal: In a matter of grave concern, the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) has strongly denounced the troubling incident at FCI, Sangaiprou, Imphal, on March 18, 2024. Reports indicate that armed individuals forcefully unloaded ration allocated for the Hill district and mishandled the staff on duty.
The RNCM emphasized that the entitlement of ration to every bonafide citizen is a constitutional right guaranteed under the Food Security Act. No individual or group, regardless of their authority, should obstruct the delivery of justice through the established system.
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This irresponsible act targeting a particular community could escalate tensions in an already vulnerable system, potentially leading to inter-communal conflicts. Despite repeated acknowledgments to concerned authorities regarding the backlog of 2023 and the delayed distribution for 2024, along with honorarium since 2020, the public’s interests remain unresolved.
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The government, as the representative of the people, bears the responsibility to address these issues promptly. In a serious move, the RNCM, in consultation with various federal units and area-based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including RNCM, Luangrians, RNSOM, RNYOM, and RNLPM, issued a 24-hour ultimatum effective from 12:00 noon, March 19, 2024. The ultimatum demands the immediate stationing of allocated FCI ration at its designated places, failing which the people are prepared to resort to mass agitation.
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Furthermore, the RNSOM, in coordination with RNYOM, has been directed to investigate the matter and report subsequent developments to the Central Committee for further action.