Northeast Desk, 11th June: The Rongmei Naga Student’s Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) has publicly announced that there will be no total shutdown along the NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) in Rongmei Naga territories. This statement comes in response to a call for a 24-hour shutdown from the Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills, Kuki Students Organization South West Sadar Hills, and Kuki Women Union Moltam Region, scheduled to begin at midnight on June 10.
RNSOM clarified that despite the shutdown call by Kuki groups for Kuki-dominated areas along NH-37, the entire stretch from Imphal to Jiribam remains Rongmei Naga ancestral land. The student body described the Kuki claims as those of “new settlers” and reaffirmed that the land belongs to all communities residing within and beyond the state.
In their statement, RNSOM warned that any incidents resulting from the proposed shutdown would be the responsibility of the Kuki community. They stressed that NH-37, which serves as Manipur’s lifeline, should not be a platform for any acts of terrorism by any organization or individual.
Additionally, RNSOM condemned the recent violent ambush by Kuki militants on state police and the Chief Minister’s security personnel along NH-37. They labeled the attack as “barbaric” and indiscriminate, warning that such actions against peace-loving communities serving in state forces could trigger another wave of crisis. The organization cautioned that further violence could be seen as an “open invitation to join the fights,” potentially escalating tensions.
RNSOM’s firm stance against the shutdown underscores their commitment to maintaining peace and unity among all communities in the region.
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