Rongmei Nagas Launch Indefinite Blockade on NH-37, Demand Inclusion of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi Naga Areas into Noney District

Imphal: The Rongmei Naga Council, Ntayphai Luangrian, Rongmei Naga Students Organisation, and Rongmei Village Chief/Chairman Association have initiated an indefinite road blockade along the Tongjei Maril and Leimatak stretches of National Highway 37, Imphal-Jiribam road, to demand the inclusion of Naga-inhabited areas in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi Districts into Noney District for administrative convenience.

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A large number of people took to the streets early Monday, blocking the highway in response to what they perceive as the government’s neglect of their repeated demands. The protesters stated that they have been urging the state government to address their concerns since submitting a memorandum on December 23, 2023, but the continued lack of response has led them to resort to the road blockade.

The blockade has disrupted vehicular movement across several locations, including Ngariyan, Laimaton Village, and Keithelmanbi, causing trucks and other vehicles to be halted. So far, no untoward incidents have been reported.

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It may be mentioned that a memorandum was 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 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.

The RNSOM in June 11 had also warned Kuki groups against shutting down of NH-37 in their territory. RNSOM had 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.

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