JTC resolves to intensify bandh, restrict Kuki movement in Naga areas

IMPHAL, Jan 17
The Joint Tribes Council (JTC) comprising Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui tribes held an emer-gency meeting today at Makhan Liangmai village and resolved to intensify the ongoing bandh at Ireng village and foothill Naga areas, restricting Kuki movement in Naga inhabited areas of Manipur until the MoU signed on August 8, 2025 between the Foothills Naga Coordination Commi-ttee (FNCC) and the Govern- ment of Manipur  is fulfilled.
The emergency meeting deliberated on the intrusion, vandalism and intimidation by armed cadres of KNF/UPF at Ireng Liangmai Naga village.
Highlighting the infringement on Nagas’ traditional rights including ownership of land and resources, and the right to live with dignity, the meeting  strongly condemned the wilful acts of Kuki militants.
According to a press release issued by the JTC, the MoU signed on August 8, 2025 agreed on halting/removing the proposed esta- blishment of designated camps of Kuki militants under SoO agreement in Naga areas and along National Highways; banning unauthorised construction of the Kangchup-Jaojangtek road, and eradicating mass poppy plantations in the region and the State.
The emergency meeting unanimously endorsed the stance of FNCC and resolved to restrict Kuki movement in Naga inhabited areas of Manipur until the MoU signed on August 8, 2025 is translated into action.
It also decided “to impose an immediate ban on all social, economic and professional interactions, effective immediately until further notice.”
The emergency meeting also urged the Government and authorities concerned
 to identify and prosecute all the KNF/UPF culprits involved in the Ireng incidents  of January 11 and 12, 2026.