Imphal, July 28: The indefinite bandh called by the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has entered its tenth consecutive day, sparking widespread disruptions and growing public discontent over the Manipur government’s continued silence.
Launched on July 18, the protest targets several contentious issues, including the construction of the German and Tiger roads through what the FNCC claims is Naga ancestral land without proper consultation, the unchecked spread of illegal poppy cultivation, and the continued presence of Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps of Kuki militants in Naga foothill areas.
The bandh has resulted in road blockades at key routes such as Makhan (Kangpokpi district), Tongjei Maril, Dolang Chiru, and major junctions between Tupul and Noney, bringing transport and communication in the region to a standstill. FNCC volunteers are reported to be strictly monitoring movement, especially restricting vehicles belonging to the Kuki community, raising concerns over escalating ethnic tensions.
Speaking to reporters, FNCC Secretary B. Robin Kabui expressed frustration at the state’s inaction. “The silence of the government is deeply regrettable. If any untoward incident occurs, the responsibility will lie solely with the authorities,” he warned.
Despite the protest remaining largely peaceful, the FNCC maintains that the bandh is a necessary assertion of Naga rights, aimed at protecting their land, identity, and community safety. Naga civil society groups across the state have rallied behind the committee, condemning what they describe as government indifference to indigenous concerns.
