The Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization Manipur (RNSOM) has said it opposes the announcement of 24-hour shutdown along NH-37 jointly by the Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills, Kuki Students Organization South West Sadar Hills, and Kuki Women Union Moltam Region. RNSOM in a statement issued on Monday said that the Rongmei Naga territory, extends from Jiribam to Imphal.
The 24-hour total shutdown in Kuki-dominated areas along National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road), reportedly started from midnight on June 10, 2024.
“We remind every community once again that the whole stretch of land from Imphal to Jiribam is Rongmei Naga ancestral land, despite the claims made by the Kukis, who are recent settlers,” stated Jeanthui Panmei, General Secretary of RNSOM. “Any untoward incidents arising from this shutdown will be the responsibility of the Kuki community.”
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The RNSOM stated that NH-37, a vital lifeline for the region, passes through the heart of Rongmei land and belongs to all communities living in and outside Manipur. They condemned the shutdown as unwarranted and stressed that the highway must not be used as a platform for terrorism by any group.
Tensions have been exacerbated by a recent attack on state police and a team of the Chief Minister’s Special Protection Group (SPG) along NH-37, allegedly by Kuki militants.
The RNSOM described the attack as “barbaric and indiscriminate,” noting that the state police force comprises members from various communities. “An attack on peace-loving communities serving in the state force could ignite another wave of crisis and is considered an open invitation to join the fight,” warned Panmei.