Tengnoupal: The Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Tengnoupal District has strongly opposed the proposed construction of the 11th Indian Reserve Battalion Headquarters at Saivom Village in Tengnoupal District, alleging that the government has gone ahead with the tender process without consulting the local stakeholders.
In a strongly-worded press release bearing Ref. No. 124/KCA-TPL/26 dated 17/08/2026, the association said it vehemently condemned the forceful issue of Tender for construction of 11th IRB Bn at Saivom Village Tengnoupal District without the knowledge and consent of the local people and CSOs.
The release was issued in public interest by the Information and Publicity Department, KCA Tengnoupal District, headquartered at Tengnoupal – 795131.
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The KCA, which is the apex body of all recognised village chiefs in the district, stated that it is against the establishment of any IRB Unit Headquarters within Tengnoupal District in the present situation.
The association made it clear that its opposition is not just on paper. It warned that even if the tender is finalized and allotted to any contractor or construction agency, the Civil Society Organizations of Tengnoupal District will not allow the execution of the work on the ground.
The press release further cautioned, If the government or the concerned contractor try to execute the work by any means, they shall be held responsible for any consequences arising thereof in future.
According to the KCA, any development project, especially one related to armed forces and police establishment, must have the free, prior and informed consent of the local chiefs, landowners and the people who have been living in the area for generations.
Deep Separation Since May 3, 2023 Highlighted
Elaborating on the ground situation, sources close to the association said the opposition stems from the deep and total separation between the Kuki and Meitei communities since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict on May 3, 2023.
It has been more than three years since the violence erupted in Manipur, and the two communities have remained completely separated geographically, administratively and emotionally. Buffer zones manned by central forces separate the two sides, and free movement between the hill and valley districts is still not possible.
As a direct consequence of this separation, from that day till today, there has been no deployment of Meitei police personnel in Kuki-dominated areas and no Kuki police personnel in Meitei-dominated areas. The state police force itself stands divided on ethnic lines, with central forces like Assam Rifles, BSF and CRPF maintaining the fragile law and order.
In this context, the KCA contends, the move to establish a new IRB battalion, which is a state police force, in a Kuki-majority district like Tengnoupal without taking the Kuki chiefs and CSOs into confidence is not only insensitive but also impractical.
Question of Trust and Land Rights
Tengnoupal district, which shares an international border with Myanmar, is inhabited almost entirely by the Kuki community. All land in the hill areas is owned by the village chiefs as per customary law and protected under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution.
The KCA alleged that Saivom village land belongs to the local community and no consultation was done with the chief of Saivom or the neighbouring villages before floating the tender. Such unilateral decisions, the association said, violate the traditional rights of the tribal chiefs and create mistrust towards the government.
The association also questioned the urgency of building a new IRB headquarters at a time when thousands of people displaced by the conflict are still living in relief camps and the political dialogue for a lasting solution is yet to reach a conclusion.
Demand for Status Quo
The KCA has demanded that the government immediately withdraw the tender for the 11th IRB Bn at Saivom and maintain status quo in the district. It urged the government to focus instead on providing relief and rehabilitation to the affected people and ensuring security through neutral central forces.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protect the land, identity and rights of the Kuki people of Tengnoupal district and said it will stand firm with all CSOs in opposing any forceful imposition.
Attempts to get a response from the Home Department and the district administration regarding the tender are awaited. This report will be updated as and when an official clarification is received.
