DDCC opposes ‘Kukiland’ tag for Tengnoupal, warns highway blockade

The District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC), representing nine Naga tribes in Tengnoupal district, has strongly opposed attempts to refer to the district as “Kukiland,” terming the move unacceptable and provocative.
Addressing reporters, the DDCC representatives alleged that the statement by Kuki Village Volunteers (Eastern Zone) not only misrepresents the demographic composition of the district but also poses a threat to communal harmony. They asserted that nine Naga tribes inhabit the district and claimed that the Naga population outnumbers the Kuki community.
The committee also objected to what it described as a “threat” to oppose the proposed visit of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand to Tengnoupal, stating that such actions intimidate Naga residents and could escalate tensions.
Raising administrative concerns, the DDCC demanded the transfer of the Deputy Commissioner of Tengnoupal, accusing him of bias and alleging that official discussions on development are limited to Kuki representatives. It further questioned the suitability of Tengnoupal village as the district headquarters, citing low population, water scarcity, and the presence of a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp of Kuki militant groups nearby.
The committee proposed Khebung as an alternative location for the district headquarters and alleged that the proposal has been stalled at the Deputy Commissioner’s level.
Warning of intensified agitation, the DDCC stated that it will impose a blockade along the Imphal–Moreh National Highway from April 20 if its demands are not addressed.