Ukhrul: The Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization (RNSOM) has issued a strong condemnation of a recent attack on supply trucks bound for Noney and Tamenglong districts, allegedly by armed Kuki militants. In a statement, the RNSOM detailed the incident and announced a boycott of the Kuki community in the Tamenglong and Noney districts, effective immediately.
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According to RNSOM, two trucks carrying essential goods, including rice, onions, and potatoes, were ambushed early this morning on Wednesday along National Highway 37. The vehicles, bearing the registration numbers MND5C3992 and AS113577, were attacked by “Kuki militants who opened fire and set the vehicles ablaze around 5:30-6:00 AM this morning. RNSOM described the attack as a calculated attempt to destabilize the peaceful environment and undermine the presence of the Rongmei community within its own jurisdiction.
“The Rongmei people had consistently appealed the Jiribam Police to allow all vehicles-bath loaded and unloaded-to freely allow all vehicle along NH-37 (24/7) between Jiribam, Tamengiong and Noney Districts to which they complied and appreciated, even without security escorts, as the entire stretch of NH-37 falls under Rongmei territorial jurisdiction,” the statement said.
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The organization stated that this attack is not only a threat to supply chains but a direct affront to the livelihoods of residents in Naga districts, highlighting the essential nature of these goods. “This is not simply an attack on the trucks,” the RNSOM stated, “but an attack on the entire citizenry of the Naga districts.”
RNSOM also said efforts have been made by the Rongmei people to maintain peace and stability, even amid ongoing regional unrest. The statement commended the Manipur government for deploying security convoys for petroleum and essential supplies, while also highlighting the Rongmei community’s continued efforts to support open access along NH-37 without requiring constant security escorts.
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In response to what it described as an “act of terrorism,” the RNSOM declared an indefinite boycott of all supplies to the Kuki community in the Tamenglong and Noney districts, attributing this decision to what it called “irresponsible and violent actions” that have jeopardized peace in the area. The boycott, according to the RNSOM, will remain in effect until further notice as a measure to safeguard the security and well-being of the Rongmei people.
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