Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, NOV 30: The Rongmei Naga People’s Organisation (RNPO-AMN), the Rongmei Naga Students’ Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) and the Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation Manipur (RNYOM) strongly condemned the exchange of fire in civilian area at Shangji Rongmei Naga village on November 28, 2024 between the cadres of the NSCN-IM and the ZUF under Noney district, Manipur. “Many innocent villagers, both old and young, have fled the village and taken shelter at neighbouring Dolang, Longjang, Bitiang, Bishnupur and Imphal,” a joint statement of the Rongmei organisations said. “It is time for school going children to appear for their final examinations. There is apprehension in the minds of both the parents and children that they may be disturbed,” the statement added.
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Therefore, the RNPO, the RNSOM and the RNYOM jointly appealed to both the NSCN-IM and the ZUF to respect the sentiment of the general public not to use public places like villages, bazar, towns and institutions as battle fields so as not to disturb public peace and tranquility in “our jurisdiction”. Besides, both the NSCN-IM and the ZUF have entered into ceasefire and “Cessation of Operation (CoO)” with Government of India and it is imperative on both sides to protect the life and property of innocent Naga public etc., the joint statement also said. “It is also pertinent to note that 99% Naga public and citizens follow Christianity as a result it is the Christmas season which observes the birth of the Prince of Peace on Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas and New Year are the biggest festivals of the Christians all over the world. Both sides should hold out their olive branch in this season. We also appeal to both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to maintain law and order in the region,” the joint statement added.
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“These three organizations also jointly condemned the abduction of Laishram Kamal Babu Singh, a construction worker from Leimakhong’s 57th Mountain Division (which is in a highly fortified cantonment) by suspected Kuki militants”, the Rongmei bodies added. They then appealed to both Government of India, the Government of Manipur and the security agencies to rescue Laishram Kamal Babu Singh at the earliest and hand him over to his aggrieved family.
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