The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has declared an indefinite bandh in the foothills of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, protesting against the proposed construction of the German and Tiger roads, the presence of illegal Kuki militants’ Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps, and the spread of poppy plantations in the region.
The bandh follows a massive protest rally held on Thursday across Naga-inhabited areas bordering Assam and Nagaland, particularly in Tamenglong district. Hundreds participated in the rally, demanding urgent action on ten long-standing issues related to development, healthcare, and governance. Tamenglong, predominantly inhabited by the Zeliangrong Nagas, remains one of the most underdeveloped districts in the state.
Organised by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations including ZNCM, RNCM-TL, LNCM-TZ, INU-TZ, CSAT, JTWA, and VACC from Tousem, Tamei, and Tamenglong, the protest began from Lower Ground in Tamenglong district headquarters and culminated at Haiou Jadonang Park. Protesters carried placards and banners with messages such as “No Ration No Justice,” “NFSA Backlog Immediate Release,” and “German/Tiger Road Construction Stop Stop,” expressing frustration at the government’s failure to address critical local issues.
The protest concluded with the submission of a joint memorandum to the Governor of Manipur through the Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong. The memorandum outlined key demands, including the release of two-month overdue NFSA ration supplies, payment of MGNREGA material component bills, completion of the GNM institute, appointment of doctors at the Tousem Community Health Centre, addressing the health crisis in Oinamlong, and upgrading of healthcare infrastructure in Cheangdai and Azuram villages.
It also raised concerns over power infrastructure delays, including the incomplete 132/33kV power substation under NERPSIP by PGCIL, and illegal road construction and land encroachment by Kuki groups. The FNCC and allied organisations have warned that if their demands are not met by July 23, the agitation will intensify through road blockades and other forms of protest.
