Will the Kuki-Zo Community Gain Safe Passage Through Naga Areas?
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Synopsis
The Kuki-Zo Council urges the FNCC to lift a shutdown affecting Kuki-Zo movement through Naga regions of Manipur, emphasizing the importance of the German-Tiger road as a humanitarian corridor amidst ongoing tensions.
Key Takeaways
- The Kuki-Zo Council continues to advocate for safe passage through Naga areas.
- The FNCC has initiated a shutdown to protest perceived threats to Naga ancestral lands.
- The German-Tiger Road is crucial for Kuki-Zo connectivity.
- False accusations against the road are condemned by the KZC.
- The KZC calls for governmental support in enhancing critical road infrastructure.
Imphal, July 20 (NationPress) The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, has once again appealed to the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) to promptly end the shutdown and facilitate safe transit for Kuki-Zo individuals through Naga-populated regions of Manipur.
The FNCC initiated an indefinite shutdown starting at midnight on Friday, restricting the movement of Kuki-Zo tribals within the foothill territories inhabited by the Naga.
The FNCC characterized this shutdown as a peaceful yet resolute protest against perceived threats to the ancestral lands, identity, and security of the Naga populace.
According to FNCC Secretary B. Robin Kabui, the primary concern is the proposed road constructions across Naga ancestral lands without prior notification or consent from the Naga community, labeling it a blatant violation of traditional ownership rights.
In a statement released on Sunday, the KZC affirmed that the German-Tiger Road, located in Naga territories, serves as a vital humanitarian route initiated by Kuki-Zo civil society organizations out of necessity. KZC’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, noted that following the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, it has become unsafe for Kuki-Zo individuals to traverse Meitei-dominated regions.
“Consequently, our community had to revive and enhance an existing inter-village path, now referred to as the German-Tiger Road, to link the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Likewise, as Sugnu is no longer accessible, we must rely exclusively on the Singheu route to maintain connections with Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, despite the absence of a functional bridge,” Vualzong stated.
They firmly condemned the ‘groundless and harmful accusations’ made by certain Meitei factions that label the German-Tiger Road and the Singheu Road as “drug routes.” Such claims lack any credible evidence.
These narratives are not only reckless but aim to tarnish the reputation of the Kuki-Zo community and disrupt the already tenuous connectivity between Kuki-Zo regions in Manipur, as expressed by the KZC.
The KZC has urged the central government to dismiss these “divisive and unfounded allegations” and take necessary actions to enhance the German-Tiger and Singheu Roads as critical inter-district lifelines.
Point of View
The Kuki-Zo Council's plea highlights the critical need for dialogue and understanding among communities in Manipur. Maintaining safe passage and connectivity is essential for fostering peace and supporting the needs of all tribal populations in the region.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Kuki-Zo Council's appeal?
The Kuki-Zo Council is appealing to the FNCC to lift the shutdown and ensure safe passage for the Kuki-Zo community through Naga-inhabited areas, emphasizing the humanitarian importance of the German-Tiger Road.
What triggered the Kuki-Zo Council's statement?
The statement was prompted by the FNCC's announcement of an indefinite shutdown affecting Kuki-Zo travel in Naga regions, which the KZC argues is necessary for community safety and connectivity.
Why is the German-Tiger Road significant?
The German-Tiger Road is vital for the Kuki-Zo community as it connects key districts and serves as a humanitarian lifeline following ethnic violence that made travel through Meitei areas unsafe.
What accusations have been made against the German-Tiger Road?
Certain groups have falsely labeled the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as 'drug routes,' which the KZC strongly condemns as baseless and harmful to the reputation of the Kuki-Zo community.
What does the Kuki-Zo Council want from the government?
The Kuki-Zo Council is urging the central government to reject the divisive allegations and take measures to improve the German-Tiger and Singheu Roads as crucial inter-district lifelines.
