IMPHAL, July 1: The Eastern Liangmai Chief/Chairman Association (ELCCA) on Tuesday issued a firm and resolute statement opposing the proposed construction of the so-called “German Road” or “Tiger Road,” a project reportedly included in the “wishlist” of the Kuki community and intended to connect Kangpokpi to Churachandpur through Naga ancestral territories.
“Let it be known that there is no such road in the past, present, or future recognized as the German, Tiger or Lion Road in our ancestral land. These names are fabricated and hold no legitimacy in our history, tradition or land records. Any move to impose such fictitious infrastructure projects within Naga territory will be regarded as an act of aggression and a blatant provocation,” the association said in its statement.
The ELCCA warned that, “any forceful or deceitful attempt to intrude into our ancestral domain under the guise of development will be met with unrelenting resistance. Let there be no illusion that such actions risk triggering widespread unrest and violence that could lead to another communal conflict in the region. Those who choose to ignore this warning will bear full responsibility for the consequences.”
Calling upon the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to act with urgency and prudence, ELCCA said, “supporting or permitting this Kuki’s ‘wish list’ would constitute a reckless endorsement of territorial encroachment and would severely endanger fragile inter-community relations in the region. The Government of India must ensure that no infrastructure project under any name or pretext violates the territorial sanctity of Naga lands.”
In what it described as a step necessary “in the interest of lasting peace and security,” ELCCA demanded the immediate dismantling of all Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps operated by Kuki militant groups located near Naga-inhabited areas.
“These camps pose a serious threat to peace and remain a constant source of intimidation and insecurity for our people. Their continued presence will not be tolerated. The Eastern Liangmai people are a peace-loving community, but we will not remain passive in the face of deceit, provocation, or occupation. We are the rightful guardians of our land, and we will defend it by all means necessary,” the association declared.
