Indefinite bandh over Tiger Road' project stifles foothills
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 19 2025: The indefinite bandh called by Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has brought normal life to a halt across several foothill areas of the state, as opposition mounts against the construction of the so-called "Tiger Road" linking Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.

The Tiger Road, reportedly developed as a self-driven initiative by Kuki armed organisations, cuts through Naga-inhabited regions, prompting strong resistance from Naga groups.

FNCC has termed the construction unauthorised and accused it of violating the territorial and cultural rights of the Naga people.

Indefinite bandh over Tiger Road' project stifles foothills

The bandh, which began from midnight of July 18, has led to road blockades at several key transit points including Makhan in Kangpokpi district, Tongjei Maril (Old Cachar Road), Dolang Chiru, Tupul to Noney Road, Tupul-Noney Junction and Longsai-Khoupum Road in Noney district.

Protesters have enforced the bandh with volunteers maintaining a strong presence to restrict movement, particularly of Kuki individuals in the affected areas.

In a statement issued on Saturday, FNCC declared the move necessary to protect indigenous land and identity.

The committee further demanded the immediate dismantling of camps occupied by Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre, stating that the camps were set up in Naga areas without community consent.

FNCC co-convenor Achum Phaomei said that the SoO camps pose a serious security challenge and will severely restrict the free movement of Naga residents.

"Naga ancestral land cannot be renamed or encroached upon," he said.

The protest has gained further momentum with support from the Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief Chairman Association, which has accused Kuki groups of deliberate land encroachment and unilateral renaming of roads and locations in Naga ancestral territories.

The association condemned such actions as provocative and unacceptable, and called for an immediate halt to the road construction and related developments.

In a public appeal, FNCC called upon all indigenous communities to support the bandh, describing it as a peaceful and coordinated movement rooted in the right to self preservation, security and cultural identity.

The committee also highlighted the need for basic supplies such as drinking water, food and medical aid for volunteers stationed across the bandh locations, appealing for contributions from supporters and well-wishers.

As the bandh has disrupted daily activities and transportation in the region, there have been fresh concerns over potential inter-community tensions in the sensitive hill districts.

State authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as the protest continues.