Terming the bandh ‘undemocratic’ and imposed, the Lingmai Naga students body questioned its legitimacy and appealed for peace and restraint.
BY PC Bureau
July 27, 2025 — The Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, representing the Liangmai Naga Students’ Union in Manipur, has strongly appealed for the immediate suspension of the ongoing blockade on the movement of the Kuki-zo persons, calling it unilateral, divisive, and imposed without proper consultation. The group emphasized that such actions, carried out without the consensus of apex Naga organizations or the affected communities, are unjustified and detrimental to the broader goals of peace and tribal unity.
In a press release issued Saturday, the organization said the bandh — imposed under the banner of the FNCC since July 18 — has only added confusion and hardship to an already volatile situation in the state. It warned that any form of agitation that lacks community consensus and transparent communication with recognized tribal bodies threatens the longstanding spirit of coexistence among hill communities.
“No community or group should act in isolation, particularly when the consequences affect everyone,” the Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi stated, urging a return to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
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The group also called upon all Nagas and tribal communities to stay united, uphold shared leadership, and avoid decisions that fragment inter-community harmony. As a goodwill gesture and step toward restoring normalcy, it urged that the bandh be temporarily lifted in all Liangmai areas.
The Liangmai group’s statement also questioned the legitimacy of the bandh, pointing out that it had not been preceded by any consultation with grassroots stakeholders or parent Naga bodies. It called this a dangerous precedent that could encourage further unilateral action and deepen divisions among already fragile communities.
Appreciate the Liangmai Naga Students’ Union, Manipur for keeping Humanity above all else and appealing FNCC to temporarily lift the indefinite bandh in the Foothill areas. #HumanitarianCrisis @rashtrapatibhvn @INCIndia @INCManipur @INCAdivasi @TribalArmy @the_hindu… pic.twitter.com/fczcYnZpRO
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) July 27, 2025
While reaffirming its commitment to communal peace, the Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi expressed concern over recent developments that have added fuel to ethnic tensions — particularly the unilateral renaming of the IVR road connecting Kangpokpi to Churachandpur as “Tiger/German Road” by certain Kuki groups. It condemned the move as insensitive and provocative, especially given that the land falls under Naga jurisdictions in Kangpokpi, Noney, and Churachandpur.
“Such acts only inflame tensions during already volatile times and undermine the principles of mutual respect,” the release stated.
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The Liangmai community emphasized its history of peaceful coexistence with neighboring tribal groups, including the Nepali, Khasi, Kuki, and other Naga tribes, especially in the IT Road area. It expressed regret that while “peace is widely discussed,” few are taking concrete steps to realize it.
Key Appeals from the Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi:
- Initiate peaceful dialogue among all stakeholders to resolve ongoing conflicts.
- Refrain from inflammatory statements on public platforms or social media.
- Ensure unity among all Nagas through consultation and respect for collective leadership.
- Lift the bandh in Liangmai areas as a step toward restoring peace and normalcy.
“We urge all individuals and groups to rise above differences and act with maturity, responsibility, and compassion,” the group concluded. “Let peace and mutual respect prevail.”
