Ukhrul, July 19: The Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) on Saturday imposed blockades at several Naga-inhabited areas, including Makhan village in Senapati, old cachar road/Tongjei Maril road in Tamenglong and Leimakhong village in Imphal West, among others, as part of its indefinite bandh against the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas.
The bandh which began from July 18 midnight was imposed in response to the “growing threats” to the ancestral lands, identity, and future of the Naga people, according to the FNCC.
The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur Ntayphay Luangrian/Foothills and its federating units, youths, students and Luh Phwam (women wing) remained vigilant as the blockade was enforced. Movement and trespassing of Kukis were cut off totally at Kaiphundaizaeng @ Laimaton Rongmei village. Several volunteers also known as Charuang Rigaan turned up to support the blockade and will continue until the problem/issue is being brought to an understanding and being fulfilled, the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur Ntayphay Luangrian/Foothills stated.
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The bandh, according to the FNCC, is a “peaceful but firm protest” aimed at highlighting three pressing concerns including unauthorized road construction, illegal SoO camps near Naga inhabited region and unchecked poppy cultivation.
In its letter addressed to the presidents and conveners of six major tribal bodies, namely the Joint Tribe Council (JTC), Chiru Union, Kharam Union, Chandel Naga People’s Organisation, Tangkhul Naga Long, and Naga People’s Organisation, Senapati, the FNCC stated that the proposed German and Tiger roads, allegedly planned without the consent of the local Naga population, are seen as an infringement on traditional Naga land ownership.
The continued presence of Kuki militant camps under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement is viewed as a serious threat to the security and peace of Naga communities in the region, the FNCC stated in its letter. It also stated that the widespread cultivation of poppy plants in the foothills is raising alarm not just for environmental degradation but also for its links to drug abuse and criminal activity, posing a risk to the social fabric of society.
“These encroachments and activities, if allowed to persist, will irreversibly harm the heritage, security, and future of the Naga people,” the FNCC further stated while emphasizing the need for unity among Naga bodies and tribal councils to defend ancestral territories against what it called “existential threats.”