Indefinite Bandh on Kuki Movement: Foothills Naga Coordination Committee

Imphal, July 17: The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has formally notified several Naga civil society organisations (CSOs) in Manipur of its decision to enforce an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18, 2025.

In an official 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 decision comes after “careful deliberation” and in response to what it described as “growing threats” to the ancestral lands, identity, and future of the Naga people.

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The bandh, according to the FNCC, is a “peaceful but firm protest” aimed at highlighting three pressing concerns:

1. Unauthorized Road Construction: 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.
2. Illegal SoO Camps: 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.
3. Unchecked Poppy Cultivation: 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.

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“These encroachments and activities, if allowed to persist, will irreversibly harm the heritage, security, and future of the Naga people,” the FNCC said in its letter. It emphasized the need for unity among Naga bodies and tribal councils to defend ancestral territories against what it called “existential threats.”

FNCC has appealed for solidarity and collective action. “We remain hopeful that through collective vigilance and action, we can chart a path forward that ensures peace, respect, and justice for our people,” the letter concluded.