Naga bodies reject Kpi-CCpur corridor proposal
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 02 2025: Committee on Protection of Indigenous Peoples' Ancestral Land (COPIPAL) has strongly rejected the so-called "wishlist" proposing the construction of the 'fictitious' German Road or Tiger Road, calling it direct attempt to force a corridor from Kangpokpi to Churachandpur through Naga ancestral land.

In a press release issued by its Media Cell on Tuesday, COPIPAL stated that these invented names are a cover for territorial aggression.

"No such road exists, and none will be accepted.

Any attempt to push this project will be seen as a hostile act and met with resolute resistance," it cautioned The Committee asserted that the Naga people will not tolerate intrusion disguised as development and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to act with urgency and neutrality, while categorically stating that supporting the Kuki "wish list" would worsen the already fragile inter-community relations.

Further stating that no project should proceed without prior and informed consent of the Naga people, COPIPAL also demanded the immediate dismantling of all SoO camps of Kuki militant groups near Naga inhabited areas.

Describing the 'illegal' camps a constant threat to peace and security, it warned: "Nagas are not aggressors, but we will defend our land, history, and rights by all means".

Foothills Naga Co-Ordination Committee (FNCC) also issued a press release on Tuesday against the recent attempts by the Kuki community to push through their so-called "wish list", which includes the proposed construction of a fictitious German Road or Tiger Road, an illegitimate project that seeks to force a corridor from Kangpokpi to Churachandpur through Naga ancestral territories.

A press release by FNCC Media Cell stated: "Let it be clearly under stood that no historical, traditional, or legal basis for any road named the German Road or Tiger Road' ever existed within our ancestral lands.

These names are fabrications; concocted with the intent to impose illegitimate claims and force unwelcome project into our ancestral territories".

"Any attempt to forcibly insert such infrastructure into our land under the guise of development or otherwise will be considered an act of aggression and deliberate provocation," the Committee cautioned, adding it "would view any such move as a direct threat to the territorial integrity of the Naga people, and will respond with resolute and unwavering resistance".

"Let there be no doubt: these actions risk igniting a situation of unrest and confrontation in the region.

The responsibility for any ensuing turmoil will rest squarely on those who attempt to violate our lands," it stated.

FNCC then urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to exercise wisdom, impartiality, and urgency in this matter.

Endorsing or facilitating the so-called Kuki "wish list" would amount to a reckless validation of territorial encroachment and would gravely imperil the already fragile inter-community relations in the region, it cautioned, while urging the Government of India to ensure that no infrastructure project-irrespective of its name or stated intent infringes upon the territorial sanctity of Naga lands.

FNCC then reiterated their long-standing and urgent demand for dismantling of all Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups located near Naga-inhabited areas.

These camps are not only illegal but pose serious threat to our communities.

Their presence is a constant source of intimidation, provocation, and instability, it said.

"The Naga people are not aggressors.

But we will never be bystanders to our own dispossession.

We are the rightful custodians of our land; not merely in sentiment, but by historical, legal, and ancestral claim.

We have exercised immense restraint.

But restraint must not be mistaken for weakness.

We are prepared to defend our land and our people by every means if required," the Naga Committee stated.

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