Imphal, Jul 19 (PTI) An indefinite bandh called by the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee to protest the “unauthorised construction of Tiger Road” connecting Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts disrupted the movement of people in the area on Saturday, officials said.
Tiger Road is a voluntary road initiative undertaken by Kuki organisations to link both the districts. However, the route reportedly passes through Naga-inhabited areas, which has led to tension in the area.
Bandh supporters enforced blockades at multiple locations, including Makhan in Kangpokpi district and Tongjei Maril (Old Cachar Road), Dolang Chiru, Tupul to Noney Road, Tupul–Noney Junction, and the Longsai–Khoupum Road in Noney district, they added.
The committee has also demanded dismantling of camps of Kuki militants which have signed Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Centre in Naga areas.
In addition, it condemned the ongoing illegal cultivation of poppy in the region.
“We have resolved to enforce an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kuki people in the foothills regions of Naga-inhabited areas with effect from July 18 midnight,” the committee said in a statement on Friday.
The bandh is being supported by Naga-based Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief Chairman Association, which has voiced deep concerns over what it calls deliberate land encroachment and security threats in indigenous Naga territories.
The association said it is alarmed by attempts to rename roads and places within Naga ancestral areas.
“These changes are not just inappropriate. They violate the cultural, historical, and territorial rights of the Naga people,” the association said, warning that such unilateral moves must be condemned and reversed. PTI COR MNB
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