Two Naga groups - ZUF and NSCN-IM - gunfire bringing glimpse of 2011 already upset locals
New Delhi
Things could be coming back to a stage that they were in the nineties. It's no exaggeration but the old Naga-Kuki conflicts might be coming back. And this time one set of protagonists are Rongmei Nagas.
According to The Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization (RNSOM), two trucks carrying essential goods, including rice, onions, and potatoes, were ambushed early Wednesday, Nov 13, along National Highway 37. In the mid-nineties, the clashes were mostly between Tangkhul Nagas and Kukis.
Two vehicles bearing the registration numbers of Manipur and Assam states were attacked allegedly by “Kuki militants who opened fire and set the vehicles ablaze". The RNSOM described the attack as a calculated attempt to destabilize the peaceful environment and undermine the presence of the Rongmei community.
“The Rongmei people had consistently appealed to Jiribam Police to allow all vehicles - loaded and unloaded- to freely allow all vehicles along NH-37 (24/7) between Jiribam, Tamengiong and Noney.
“This is not simply an attack on the trucks,” the RNSOM stated, “but an attack on the entire citizenry of the Naga districts.”
Meanwhile, there have been reports of shoot out between cadres of two Naga groups Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and NSCN-IM near Gangluan-III (Nongleiband).
The RNSOM in a statement on Thursday (Nov 14) said - "such madness between brethren does not establish any logical explanation and is considered a foolishness".
In 2011 also the ZUF and NSCN-IM had clashed. The RNSOM has urged leaders of both the groups to help bring the situation to normalcy.
"Going against the sentiment of the people is an ultimate violation of the rules of the land", it charged. The RNSOM also said that efforts have been made by the Rongmei people to maintain peace and stability, even amid ongoing regional unrest with Kukis.
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.
The RNSOM has 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.
In the meantime of course, Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have remained peaceful due to the unbiased stance of the Nagas in Manipur.
However, local leaders have complained to the centre that these clashes have diverted the government’s focus from the much-needed development of these areas. For instance, the construction of the Imphal to Ukhrul road, National Highway 202 (part of the proposed plan to expand the road from Yaingangpokpi – Ukhrul- Jessami), has been hampered.
In yet another instance of growing differences between Nagas and the Kukis, the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body representing the Naga community in Manipur, has issued a press statement expressing its concerns and rejecting the legitimacy of the newly formed 'United Tribal Council of Manipur'.
The UNC said it is “constrained to give out this press statement to dispel confusion arising out of the mushrooming of unmandated organisations by prefixing and suffixing United Tribal…., All Manipur…., ……Tribal unity, Indigenous Tribal…….. void of representation from the structural form of organisation at the grassroots level.”
According to the UNC, any statements or narratives issued by these newly formed “unmandated organisation/union/council do not carry the voice and aspiration of the people".
ends
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