IT News
Imphal, Nov 13:
A truck transporting onions was reportedly set ablaze by miscreants suspected to be Kuki militants on the Jiribam-Imphal highway (NH-37) today morning. The attack occurred on a section of the highway that connects the Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Noney districts.
In response to the incident, the Rongmei Naga community has announced a complete boycott of supplies to the Kuki community in Tamenglong and Noney districts, effective immediately and continuing until further notice. A press release from the Rongmei Naga community condemned the attack, describing it as an assault not only on the trucks but on the community’s well-being.
“The Rongmei people have consistently urged Jiribam police to ensure free movement for all vehicles, loaded or unloaded, on NH-37 without security escorts. This highway falls within our jurisdiction, and we have upheld peace for all travelers. We appreciate the Manipur government’s efforts to provide security convoys for vehicles carrying petroleum and essential goods,” the statement read.
The Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization (RNSOM) issued a strong condemnation, alleging that armed Kuki militants attacked two trucks—bearing registration numbers MN05C3992 and AS 11 3577—opening “hundreds of rounds” before setting the vehicles ablaze. The incident reportedly took place between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., with the trucks carrying essential goods, including rice, onions, and potatoes, bound for Longmai, Noney, and Tamenglong.
The RNSOM’s statement noted that this marks the second such incident along NH-37, following a previous attack in Kaimai. The organization claimed that the attack was a “deliberate attempt to undermine the existence of the Rongmei people within their own territory” and reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of the community amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
