Guwahati: The Eastern Liangmai Chief/Chairman Association (ELCCA) has categorically rejected a proposed road project, dubbed the “German Road” or “Tiger Road,” intended to link Kangpokpi and Churachandpur. The association asserts the proposed route infringes upon Naga ancestral territories, a claim vehemently opposed in a strong public statement issued today.
In a press communiqué, the ELCCA dismissed the project as a mere “wishlist” of the Kuki community, stressing that the names and plans associated with it are baseless, historically inaccurate, and entirely unrecognised in Naga land records or traditions. “There is no such road in the past, present, or future recognized as the German, Tiger, or Lion Road in our ancestral land,” the statement declared, adding that any attempt to force such “fictitious infrastructure projects” would be seen as an act of aggression and blatant provocation.
The association cautioned that any forceful or deceptive entry into their traditional domains under the guise of development would be met with resistance, potentially escalating into communal unrest. The ELCCA stated that those disregarding this warning would be held entirely accountable for any resulting conflict.
The ELCCA has also appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for urgent and judicious intervention, warning that any support for the project would be considered a reckless endorsement of territorial encroachment. They further urged the Government of India to ensure that no infrastructure project, under any name or pretext, violates the territorial sanctity of Naga lands.
A significant demand in the statement calls for the immediate dismantling of all Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps belonging to Kuki militant groups located near Naga-inhabited areas. The ELCCA labelled these camps as a direct threat to peace and security, emphasizing, “These camps pose a serious threat and remain a constant source of intimidation and insecurity for our people,” and affirmed that their continued presence would not be tolerated.
The ELCCA concluded by asserting that while the Eastern Liangmai people are peace-loving, they would not remain passive in the face of provocation or occupation, pledging to defend their land “by all means necessary.” This strongly worded statement underscores the delicate inter-community relations in Manipur, bringing to the forefront renewed concerns over territorial disputes and development-linked tensions in the state’s hill districts.
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