Manipur Naga Youth Organisation opposes proposed Tiger/German Road Project and relocation of Kuki SoO camps

The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of the Tiger/German Road from Motbung in Kangpokpi district to Churachandpur, citing concerns over the road’s naming. In a press release issued today by the Media and Publicity Wing of MNYO-HQ, the organisation urged the Government of India and relevant authorities to reconsider the project and its implications.
According to MNYO, the term “Tiger/German Road” is associated with Kuki armed groups, which the organisation finds objectionable. The press release also highlighted existing land disputes between Naga and Kuki communities, particularly in sensitive regions such as the Mount Koubru foothills and the Loktak Project area, where tensions have reportedly led to physical confrontations.
The MNYO represents multiple various Naga tribes who are living to the south of Motbung, Kangpokpi district till Laimanai Tingpui, Sadu Kabui and Loktak Power House, Leimatak ànd Loktak Project area, Churachandpur District including Liangmai Naga, Rongmei (Kabui), Poumai Naga, Mao Naga, Kharam Naga, Aimol Naga, Chiru Naga, Kom Naga, Inpui Naga, Koireng Naga, and Chothe Naga, who have been defending their ancestral lands with resilience since time immemorial, the press release added.
The MNYO added that while it supports development and improved road connectivity, projects should not be carried out without proper ground verification. It cautioned that pushing ahead with the road construction without resolving land disputes could “open Pandora’s Box,” worsening communal discord rather than promoting development.
In addition, the organisation raised serious concerns about the reported shifting of Kuki Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps into mixed or Naga-majority areas. It argued that placing such camps near contested territories or sensitive ethnic zones could disturb the peace and heighten tensions. MNYO cited surveys reportedly conducted in areas like the Loktak Project zone, Kangchup foothills, Koubru range, and Kotlen along NH-37, where camps may be moved close to Naga habitations.
MNYO called on the authorities to confine all Kuki SoO camps strictly within Kuki-dominated areas, remove those already situated near or within Naga territories, and avoid setting them up along national and state highways or near strategic infrastructure such as national projects and railway lines.
The organisation also urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the number and placement of SoO camps in the interest of maintaining peaceful coexistence among Manipur’s diverse ethnic communities.