The Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) has intensified the ban it imposed on economic activities of the Kuki community from the district headquarters, reportedly for the past two days, “in response to ongoing harassment along the highway.”
When asked about the reason, SDSA stated that they have set up a checkpoint and started inspections to enforce the economic embargo imposed on the Kukis, as per a report published by the Ukhrul Times.
This action follows their order issued on June 21, 2024, under reference no. SDSA/65/22-24, it said. The prohibition was necessitated after their previous appeal to stop harassing innocent travelers along National Highway 2 and maintain the highway as a safe zone “was met with silence and defiance from the Kuki community.”
Following a press statement dated June 3, 2024 (reference no. SDSA/64/22-24), which appealed to all parties to stop harassment on the highway, incidents of atrocities against the Nagas increased, the SDSA alleged.
It said that routine harassment of travelers and goods carriers along the highway has become a daily occurrence. For instance, two DI trucks belonging to Liangmai Nagas were hijacked near Damdei College Junction, Motbung, and a huge ransom was demanded without any valid reason, it said. SDSA executives intervened, leading to the unconditional release of the trucks.
It further said that on June 12 and 14, 2024, LPG trucks carrying supplies for Senapati were stopped by armed Kuki miscreants for extortion purposes. Fearing for their safety, the drivers had to return to the gas plant, resulting in a shortage of cooking gas for the people of Senapati.
It was only after the Senapati Gas Agencies Association initiated a counter-blockade that the KSO met with SDSA and reached an understanding with the gas agencies.
On the night of June 19, 2024, a truck was set ablaze near the Orange Farm, just below T Khullen, by Kuki miscreants. SDSA further said that such acts of arson, regardless of the reasons, were seen as a total disrespect and a direct challenge to authority, showing the audacity to commit such heinous crimes within their jurisdiction.
“These incidents are just a few of the countless atrocities inflicted on the Nagas since the conflict began last month. Despite the state unrest, the Nagas have maintained a peaceful and neutral stance,” it said.
The SDSA has extended a helping hand providing medical assistance to neighboring K communities, treating their injured, and ensuring they receive necessary help. They have allowed free access to the market and town, ensuring equal treatment and safety.
However, after experiencing repeated incidents, the SDSA found it necessary to check all vehicles and initiate the embargo to show their condemnation.
Their initial motive was to peacefully communicate their grievances and unhappiness to the Kuki community, but due to continued silence and defiance, the SDSA was forced to adopt this embargo as a form of noncooperation and non-compliance in response to the ongoing troubles caused by the Kuki community, it added.
