Imphal: Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) in response to ‘continued presence of illegal immigrants and Kuki refugees on Naga ancestral land’ has launched its indefinite road blockade and general strike across the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur on Friday midnight severely affecting movement in both Naga and Kuki peripheral regions.
The FNCC alleged of a systematic encroachment of Naga territories and raised objections to the unilateral renaming of local roads by Kuki refugees.
“It has come to our attention that Kuki refugees have unilaterally and mischievously renamed our IVR road as ‘German Road’ or ‘Tiger Road’ names that are historically and culturally unfounded,” a FNCC statement said.
“These fabricated names have no legitimacy in our traditions, oral histories, or official land records. Any attempt to impose such fictitious names within Naga territory will be viewed as an act of provocation and territorial aggression.”
The FNCC demanded immediate dismantling of Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps belonging to Kuki militant groups situated near Naga-inhabited areas, citing them as threats to peace and community security.
“These camps not only endanger peace and stability but also serve as a persistent source of fear and insecurity for our community,” the committee said.
The protest drew widespread support from several other Naga bodies, including the Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief Chairman Association, Zeliangrong Union, Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO), and Paomei Union. All groups echoed concerns over land encroachment and ongoing security threats in their respective regions.
Protesters were seen blocking key IVR roads at Makhan village, particularly the route leading to Leimakhong Kuki-inhabited area. No untoward incidents were reported on the first day of the protest.
Speaking to the media from Makhan village in Senapati district, MNYO president Athot Keitang said, “The protest aims to stop illegal construction of a proposed national highway connecting Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, referred to as Tiger Road.”
“We demand the central government to cancel the highway project. It is being constructed without the consent of the rightful landowner Nagas. Many SoO-designated camps belonging to Kuki militant groups are located under Naga-inhabited areas. These must be removed to prevent future unrest,” Keitang said.
He also raised concerns over ongoing poppy cultivation in Kuki areas, urging the government to take immediate action to halt such illegal activities.
FNCC member Julia Singlai appealed to everyone, especially on social media, not to share any content that may incite enmity between communities.
