Manipur Naga CSOs oppose construction of Churachandpur-Kangpokpi road

The proposed construction of ‘German/Tiger Road’, a road to connect Kuki Dominated Churachandpur district and Kangpokpi district has become a fresh bone of contention between two major tribal communities dominating the hill districts of Manipur.
While the Kuki based CSOs are proposing the construction of the road which will connect Churachandpur and Kangpokpi district without touching the valley area, Manipur Naga based CSOs are strongly against the proposed road which would pass through their “ancestral lands”.
Intensifying their objection, Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18, 2025. A massive rally carried out at Tamenglong district headquarters today also demanded the government’s intervention to stop the construction of the road while terming it as “illegal”. The FNCC declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18, 2025, in a statement to the media issued on Thursday.
In the statement, the FNCC asserted that the bandh was a peaceful but firm protest against what it describes as threats to the “ancestral land, identity, and security of the Naga people.” The statement signed by FNCC secretary B Robin Kabui alleged that the proposed construction of the German or Tiger Road through Naga ancestral territories was initiated without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people. The committee termed it a “blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights.”
It also raised strong objection to the alleged continued presence of “illegal” Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups in Naga areas, which the FNCC claims poses a serious threat to peace and security.
The FNCC further highlighted that the unchecked cultivation of poppy plantations, which it claims not only harms the environment but also fuels drug addiction and criminal activity, thereby endangering the social fabric.
“These encroachments and activities, if allowed to persist, will irreversibly harm the heritage, security, and future of the Naga people,” the statement read.
It further called on Naga bodies and tribal councils to unite in defending their ancestral domain.
The FNCC also urged for public cooperation and solidarity, expressing hope that collective vigilance will lead to peace, respect, and justice for the Naga people.
While urging the government to intervene and stop the construction of the road, the Tamenglong based CSOs organizing Friday’s rally condemned the “unauthorized” road construction and settlements being carried out within ancestral lands of the Liangmai, Zeme, Inpui, and Rongmei communities.
The CSOs claimed that “This is a direct violation of indigenous land rights and must be stopped”, in a memorandum submitted to the Manipur Governor through DC at the concluding part of the rally.