The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in the western foothill areas of the state, alleging a deliberate administrative failure by the government to safeguard the interests of the indigenous communities residing there.
In a press statement, RNCM alleged that Kuki-Zo militant groups have been actively setting up a base in the region with full infrastructure support, raising serious doubts about the government’s policy and intent in the area. The council claimed that the ongoing construction of the so-called “German Road” or “Tiger Road,” stretching over 7 to 8 kilometres within land belonging to the Rongmei community, is a strategically motivated move. According to RNCM, the road construction has been initiated by certain secessionist groups in alleged collusion with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which the council believes is aimed at undermining the security and integrity of the Rongmei Nagas in favour of the Kuki-Zo groups.
RNCM further expressed alarm over the reported plan to construct a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp in the region to accommodate nearly a thousand armed cadres, as well as the settlement of non-Manipuri speaking residents and requisitioning of land for poppy cultivation. The council described these developments as highly provocative and interpreted them as actions that could be construed as a declaration of hostility towards neighbouring communities that have, so far, maintained restraint to avoid communal conflict.
Appealing to the Ministry of Home Affairs and all relevant authorities, the RNCM urged for an immediate halt to all ongoing activities in the area. The council also condemned what it called continued acts of dominance by one community over others and criticized government and non-governmental entities for allegedly advancing policies that threaten the security and identity of the Naga people, particularly the Rongmei community.
The RNCM reaffirmed its commitment to resist any such moves, asserting its role as a legitimate representative of the people and pledging to stand firm in defence of the community’s rights and territory.