Friday’s agreement, signed in Imphal, commits the Manipur government to legal action on unauthorized roads, consultation on SoO-related issues, and intensified War on Drugs measures.
BY PC Bureau
August 8, 2025: The Foothill Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) has called off its ongoing blockade and agitation after reaching an agreement with the Government of Manipur during a meeting held in Imphal on Friday at 4 p.m. The discussions, attended by representatives of the State Government and FNCC leaders, addressed key issues ranging from unauthorized road construction to security concerns and illegal poppy cultivation.
According to the record note signed by both parties, the State Government clarified that it had not approved or sanctioned any unauthorized roads as alleged by the FNCC. Authorities assured that necessary legal action would follow verification of such illegal constructions or naming, and no unauthorized roads would be permitted.
On concerns relating to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement, designated camps, and the security interests of the Naga communities in foothill areas, the Government of Manipur assured that these issues would be seriously considered in consultation with the Government of India.
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Regarding illegal poppy cultivation, both sides acknowledged the State Government’s ongoing “Zero Tolerance” policy under its War on Drugs campaigns. It was noted that the State Police and central agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had already conducted destruction drives targeting poppy and cannabis plantations. The Government also committed to further surveys and eradication measures against illicit cultivation.
Breaking:
FNCC has call-of the indefinite bandh/blockade along the foothill areas with immediate effect following an agreement with representatives of Home Dept Govt. of Manipur. @rashtrapatibhvn @INCManipur @RajBhavManipur @manipur_police @ImphalTimes @ImpactTvManipur… pic.twitter.com/cl8iL7757G
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) August 8, 2025
On the basis of these assurances, the FNCC agreed to lift the blockade with immediate effect. The agreement was signed by FNCC representatives Dr. Aku Newme (General Secretary, Joint Tribes Council), B. Robin Kabui (Secretary, FNCC), Nelson Chithung (Nomination Convenor, Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation), and Ch. Wirianjinlu (Co-Convenor, Koubru Range Liangmai Women Union), along with N. Ashok Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur.
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The FNCC had launched its blockade to press for action on multiple grievances, including alleged unauthorized road construction in foothill areas, unresolved security concerns linked to the SoO framework, and rampant illegal poppy cultivation that has been a longstanding problem in Manipur’s hill districts.
Illegal poppy farming in Manipur has been linked to both organized crime and the drug trade, prompting successive state governments to carry out eradication drives. The War on Drugs campaign, initiated under the NDPS Act and PIT NDPS Act, has been central to these efforts, but enforcement has faced resistance from various groups citing livelihood issues and alleged uneven implementation.
Friday’s agreement marks a temporary thaw in relations between the FNCC and the state government, though the real test will be in the follow-through on the promises made — particularly on infrastructure verification, security arrangements, and sustained anti-poppy measures.
