The Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), an apex student body of the district, has banned the supply of goods and commodities to Kuki-Zo areas from the district with immediate effect on Thursday.
The ban was issued in response to the burning of a truck by suspected Kuki miscreants on the night of June 19 within the Senapati district. Senpati bordering Kangpokpi district, is a Naga-dominated district about 52 km from Manipur’s capital. The National Highway-2, one of the two lifelines of Manipur runs through the district.
The SDA, in a statement, said, “Despite our hospitality, patience, understanding and neutrality in this ongoing conflict. The Kuki miscreants have dared to set a truck on fire within our land and jurisdiction at Tumuyon Khullen. We strongly condemn this act of arson which is a direct challenge to our authority and also a grave threat to the safety and well-being of all communities. We demand that the culprits be booked and befitting punishment be given as per the Law, at the earliest.”
The students’ body asserted that they have been appealing for all concerned parties to refrain from unnecessarily hampering vehicular movements along National Highway 2 (NH-2) and to maintain the highway as a safe zone, free from any form of harassment but the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), has, however, completely ignored our statement and plea.
Accordingly, the SDSA said, “Effective immediately, no goods or commodities shall be permitted to be supplied to the Kulu-zo areas from Senapati or any other sources within our jurisdiction. This embargo is a necessary measure to respond to the unwarranted aggression and to protect the interests of our community.”
It further stated that SDSA shall not be held responsible or accountable. The responsibility for any adverse outcome rests solely with the CoTU and their subordinates.
Asking all the individuals, businesses communities within Senapati to strictly adhere to the ban, the SDA cautioned those who violate the order shall bear the full consequences of their actions. “We will not be held responsible for any harm, loss or misfortune that befalls those who disregard this directive. The responsibility for their safety and the repercussions of their actions will rest entirely on them,” it added.
It further clarified that the order was issued in the interest of maintaining peace, order and the safety of all communities. “We urge all parties to comply strictly with this detective and to act responsibly and considerately to avoid further conflict,” it added.