Manipur: Naga Committee Declares Indefinite Bandh on Movement of Kukis in Foothill Regions

New Delhi: Citing threats to ancestral land, the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis in the foothills of Naga-inhabited areas, according to a report by Economic Times. 

Per the report, the bandh has been enforced from July 18 midnight. The Imphal-based committee said the bandh was a “peaceful but firm protest” against "threats to ancestral land, identity and security" of the Naga people.

One of their main concerns that led to the move is the construction of the ‘German’ or ‘Tiger’ road in the area. 

The road, constructed privately during the Manipur conflict, connects Churachandpur to Kangpokpi. It is allegedly named after German H. Kuki, leader of the Kuki National Front-Military Council, a Manipur-based militant group. The road was open for public use in 2024.

The report further quoted B. Robin Kabui, the secretary of the FNCC, as saying that the proposed roads pass through Naga ancestral territories “without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people”. The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights, per the news report.

A few days ago, the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation had also expressed “strong opposition” to the proposed construction of the Road, according to a report by Imphal Times. 

The organisation had concerns regarding the naming of the road as it was associated with Kuki armed groups, and had also written to the Union government and relevant authorities to reconsider the project and its implications.

The letter had also highlighted the issue of existing land disputes between Naga and Kuki communities in sensitive foothill regions such as the Mount Koubru foothills and the Loktak Project area, per the report.

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