Kangpokpi, July 1, 2025: In a strongly worded communique, the Eastern Liangmai Chief/Chairman Association (ELCCA) has categorically opposed the proposed construction of a road allegedly connecting Kangpokpi to Churachandpur via Naga ancestral land. The proposed project, referred to as the "German Road" or "Tiger Road" in some quarters, has been denounced by the association as a fabrication with no historical, traditional, or legal basis.
The Liangmai chiefs asserted that no such road - past, present, or planned has ever existed within their territory under those names. They described the proposal as a blatant provocation and warned that any attempt to push through such a project would be viewed as an act of aggression.
"This is not merely a matter of semantics," the statement emphasized. "Any effort to impose fictitious infrastructure schemes in our land, whether under the guise of development or otherwise, will be met with unrelenting resistance."
ELCCA said that allowing the project to proceed could trigger unrest and escalate inter-community tensions in the already fragile region. They placed full responsibility for any fallout on those who ignore their warning.
The association also issued a direct appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), urging it to act decisively and reject what it called the “wishlist” of the Kuki community. Supporting the road project, they argued, would amount to an endorsement of territorial encroachment and further erode trust between communities in Manipur.
In addition to their opposition to the road, the Liangmai leaders called for the immediate dismantling of all Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups situated near Naga villages. They alleged these camps pose a significant threat to peace and stability and serve as instruments of intimidation.
“We are a peace-loving people,” the statement concluded, “but we will not remain idle in the face of deceit, provocation, or occupation. We are prepared to defend our land by all means necessary.”
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The Eastern Liangmai community's rejection adds a fresh dimension to the growing complexities in Manipur’s ethnic and territorial conflicts, especially in the context of ongoing demands, proposed development routes, and the existence of SoO arrangements with armed groups.
