Many condemn burning of Noney bound truck Boycott supply to Kuki areas : RNSOM

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 13: Even as many Naga bodies have vehemently condemned the attack on Noney bound trucks loaded with essential goods on National Highway stretch between Jiribam and Tamenglong, the Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) has raised a call to "boycott all supplies to Kukis in Tamenglong and Noney".
In a strongly worded statement issued today, the RNSOM termed the attack on the trucks an act of terrorism and said,  "It is not simply an attack on the trucks, but an attack on the entire citizen of the Naga districts".
Two trucks carrying essential goods such as grain, onions and potatoes to Noney were fired upon by Kuki militants and burnt near Old Kaiphundai between 5.30 am and 6 am today.
RNSOM said Kuki militants opened fire and set the vehicles ablaze this morning, and it was the second incident of targeting vehicles along NH-37.
It asserted that the attack was a deliberate attempt to undermine the existence of Rongmei people in the region.
"In response to this act of terrorism and in the absence of any other recourse, the RNSOM hereby declares a total boycott of all supplies to the Kukis in Tamenglong and Noney districts, effective immediately, until further notice. This decision is a direct result of their irresponsible and violent actions, which have jeopardised the peaceful atmosphere within our region," said the RNSOM.
The Villages Council Longmai Area (VCLA) described the attack on trucks as a deliberate attempt to "provoke the peace-loving communities that has nothing to do with the current inter-communal conflict in Manipur."
"The incident is strongly condemned and is considered a direct insult to the sentiments of the Rongmei community who have taken all measures to accommodate all communities in establishing a congenial atmosphere and peaceful inter-communal coexistence," said the VCLA.
It sought "logical explanation from the parties responsible" and advised to "amicably resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all concerned."
The Nungba Area Village Authority Association (NAVAA) too condemned the attack, but said it would not endorse RNSOM's call to boycott supply of essential items to Kukis in Tamenglong and Noney districts.
NAVAA asserted that it would remain neutral as decided earlier and play the role of "peace-maker".
"No organisation can organize any form of activities which may disturb public peace and tranquillity in our jurisdiction without our prior permission/approval. Anyone who violates our directive would be dealt with stern action as per law," it asserted.
NAVAA said it condemns all forms of violence, attack on innocent civilians, looting of property, money and hijacking of vehicles in the recent past by the hills based and valley based miscreants.
It urged the Government and law enforcing agencies to deal with iron hands those miscreants operating with illegal arms both in the hills and the valley.