Kuki chiefs oppose India’s paramilitary headquarters in Tengnoupal
Manipur groups intensify protests over NRC demand before Census
Imphal: The Kuki Chiefs Association of Tengnoupal district has opposed the proposed construction of the 11th India Reserve Battalion headquarters at Saivom village in Manipur, demanding that the project be rolled back.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Kuki chiefs said the construction tender was issued without consulting local stakeholders despite repeated objections from residents and civil society organisations. The association warned that local groups would not allow construction work to begin and cautioned the government and contractors against proceeding with the project.
The opposition highlights continuing mistrust between local communities and authorities amid Manipur’s prolonged conflict. The Kuki Chiefs Association said security infrastructure should not be expanded without taking the concerns of affected communities into account.
Meanwhile, a two-day general strike was observed across Manipur from August 17 on the demand for updating the National Register of Citizens before the Census exercise.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation said repeated appeals to the government for NRC updation had gone unanswered. Convenor Jeetendra Ningombam said the demand was aimed at protecting the interests of indigenous communities amid concerns over alleged illegal immigration.
Protests were held at several locations under the slogans “NRC Updation Before Census”, “No NRC, No Census” and “No IDP Settlement, No Census”. Students attempted to disrupt Census training sessions, while a sit-in was held at Khwairamband Ima Market and rallies were taken out in Imphal.
The protesters demanded that the NRC be updated using 1951 as the base year and alleged that earlier agreements and repeated representations on illegal immigration had failed to produce effective action.
The developments reflect deep political and social tensions in Manipur, where competing communities continue to press the authorities over security, displacement, demographic concerns and political safeguards.
