Foothills Naga Coordination Committee Calls Off Indefinite Blockade After Talks With State Government

The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has agreed to call off the ongoing indefinite blockade with immediate effect along the Naga-inhabited foothill areas of the state, following an understanding reached with the state government on Friday.

The meeting between the two parties took place in the wake of an economic blockade launched by the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations, which began on Friday.

Representatives of the FNCC and the state government held discussions regarding the illegal construction and naming of roads, poppy cultivation, and the relocation of SoO (Suspension of Operations) camps.

During the meeting, the state government clarified that it had neither approved nor sanctioned any such roads as pointed out by the FNCC. It also assured that necessary legal action would be taken after verifying the status of such constructions. Any illegal construction or naming, if found, will not be permitted.

With regard to the SoO agreement, designated camps, etc., the state government agreed to consider the interests and concerns of the Nagas in the foothill areas in consultation with the Government of India.

On the issue of illegal poppy cultivation, it was agreed that the state government will take necessary action, including surveying the affected areas and destroying illegal cultivation of poppy and cannabis in the state.

Based on the above understanding, the FNCC agreed to call off the blockade/agitation with immediate effect.

A few days ago, the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations had warned of launching an economic blockade from Friday if the FNCC failed to withdraw its blockade and allow free movement for the Kuki-Zo community.