Jiribam: A truck loaded with onions was allegedly set ablaze early this morning on National Highway 37, the critical route connecting Jiribam to Imphal, sparking community outrage and calls for action.
The incident reportedly occurred around 5:30 a.m., when armed attackers fired multiple rounds at the vehicle before setting it on fire. The attack marks the second recent incident targeting vehicles carrying essential goods along NH-37, heightening concerns over security in the region.
In response, the Rongmei Naga community has announced an immediate suspension of supplies to Kuki communities in Tamenglong and Noney districts. This boycott, effective until further notice, reflects the community’s deep frustration and concern over repeated attacks on vehicles transporting essentials within their territory.
A statement from the Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization (RNSOM) condemned the incident, labeling it “a direct assault on the people of Naga districts.” The organization attributed the attack to Kuki militants, describing it as a deliberate act aimed at destabilizing the lives of the Rongmei people and disrupting the supply chain for essential goods.
“This attack is not simply on a truck, but on the very livelihood and safety of citizens in the Naga districts,” RNSOM stated. The organization noted that the targeted trucks, identified as MN05C3992 and AS113577, were carrying essential items like rice, onions, and potatoes for communities in Longmai, Noney, and Tamenglong.
The Rongmei community further expressed gratitude to the Manipur government for its efforts to ensure safe transport on NH-37 by organizing security convoys, especially for petroleum and other vital supplies. They also urged local authorities to bolster security measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, highlighting the importance of this highway for uninterrupted access to essential goods.
The recent violence underscores ongoing tensions in the region, with NH-37 emerging as a focal point for supply chain vulnerabilities. Local leaders and citizens alike now call for heightened security and accountability as essential goods transport continues to face significant risks.