FNCC imposes indefinite bandh on Kuki movement over ‘German Road', cites threat to Naga land
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.
The FNCC said the bandh is a "peaceful but firm protest" against what it describes as threats to the ancestral land, identity and security of the Naga people.
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B. Robin Kabui, secretary of the FNCC, said the first concern is the proposed construction of the German and Tiger roads through Naga ancestral territories "without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people." The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights.
A road constructed in the hill region, called the '
German Road
', has raised concerns in the wake of the
Manipur violence
. Built privately during the ethnic conflict, it connects
Churachandpur
to
Kangpokpi
and is named after German H Kuki, leader of the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC), a Manipur-based militant group. The road was reportedly built on the initiative of the militant leader German and was opened for public use in 2024.
There are also several kaccha roads linking Churachandpur to neighbouring Mizoram as well as roads between Churachandpur and Myanmar, which shares a border with the district.
Earlier, the
Manipur Naga Youth Organisation
(MNYO) had expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of the Tiger/German Road from Motbung in Kangpokpi district to Churachandpur, citing objections over the road's naming. The organisation urged the Government of India and relevant authorities to reconsider the project and its implications, saying the term "Tiger/German Road" is associated with Kuki armed groups.
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