Senapati, August 8: The Foothill Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has officially lifted its indefinite road blockade and agitation following a breakthrough meeting with the Manipur Government in Imphal on Friday. The talks addressed key demands and grievances of the Naga foothill communities, paving the way for a temporary resolution to the weeks-long standoff.
Senior state officials assured FNCC representatives that no official approval had been granted for the alleged renaming or construction of interior village roads in contested foothill areas. The committee had earlier accused Kuki refugees of arbitrarily naming a stretch as “German Road” or “Tiger Road,” calling it an attempt to distort history and cultural identity. The government pledged that any such illegal activity would face legal scrutiny and immediate action.
Addressing concerns over security, particularly regarding the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and the presence of designated Kuki militant camps near Naga-inhabited areas, the state committed to consulting the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Officials stressed that the territorial and safety concerns of the foothill Naga communities would be given priority in future security protocols.
Both sides also agreed to step up the fight against narcotics and deforestation, recognising the growing problem of illegal poppy and cannabis cultivation in the region. The government highlighted its ongoing “War on Drugs” campaign, under which joint operations with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have destroyed large tracts of illicit crops. Plans are in place to intensify surveillance and eradication efforts.
The FNCC’s agitation began on July 18, marked by an indefinite road blockade and general strike across the Naga foothill belt. The protest was fuelled by allegations of demographic manipulation, encroachment by illegal immigrants and the perceived erosion of Naga cultural and historical identity.
While Friday’s meeting has brought a pause to the protests, FNCC leaders have made it clear that the truce is conditional. “This is not the end. If necessary steps are not taken in a timely manner, we reserve the right to resume democratic agitation,” a senior committee member warned.
