Tengnoupal: The Civil Society Organisations of Tengnoupal District have strongly objected to the proposed tendering and construction of the 11th Indian Reserve Battalion (11 IRB) at Saivom Village in Tengnoupal District.
In a joint press release issued on 25th August 2026, the CSOs stated that the project is reportedly being undertaken without any meaningful consultation with the local elected representative, particularly the Hon’ble MLA of the concerned constituency, and the civil society organisations and other stakeholders of Tengnoupal District.
The organisations stated that the establishment of a major security installation is a matter of significant public concern and has far-reaching implications for the local community, land, environment, administration and development of the area. Such an important decision should not be taken without proper consultation with the elected representative and civil society organisations who represent the concerns of the affected community.
The CSOs made it clear that no new post of state forces should be created anywhere in the district, whether at Saivom or Lokchao / Tuipi Village, until peace and normalcy is achieved. They asserted that development and security projects must have the consent and participation of the local people, especially in a tribal hill district where land rights are protected under customary law and Article 371C of the Constitution.
The objection comes against the backdrop of the complete territorial and social separation between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 3, 2023. Since the outbreak of the violence on May 3, 2023, the two communities have been living in total separation. Kuki people can no longer go to the valley and Meitei people can no longer enter the hill areas. Buffer zones are manned by central forces and movement across is completely restricted. Government offices, schools and markets have also been divided along ethnic lines.
In this sensitive situation, the CSOs argued, any attempt to establish a new state force battalion in a Kuki dominated border district without taking the local Kuki population into confidence will only deepen mistrust and create more tension. The people of Tengnoupal, being a border district sharing an international boundary with Myanmar, have already suffered immensely due to the ongoing conflict. Trade through Moreh has collapsed, livelihoods have been affected, and many families are displaced and living in relief camps.
The CSOs pointed out that trust in state forces has been severely eroded among the Kuki population since May 2023. Therefore, imposing an IRB battalion, which recruits predominantly from the valley, is perceived by the locals not as a security measure but as a provocation. They said central forces are more acceptable to maintain neutrality in the buffer zones, while state forces should not be expanded until a political solution is found.
Emphasising that transparency, consultation, due process and respect for the concerns of the local population must be ensured before proceeding with the tender and construction, the CSOs have called upon the concerned authorities and the Government of Manipur to:
- Put the tendering and construction process on hold until complete normalcy is established and the crisis is resolved and the displaced people are rehabilitated.
- Ensure that the views and concerns of the local people are formally recorded and duly considered in the decision-making process through public hearings.
- The people of Tengnoupal District have the right to seek clarity and accountability concerning major government projects that directly affect their communities, including land acquisition details, environmental clearance and employment benefits for locals.
- In case the government fails to consider the voice of the people, strong and democratic opposition will be made and the government shall be held solely responsible for any consequences. They have therefore appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, the concerned Ministers, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and all other competent authorities to intervene immediately and ensure that no construction activity is undertaken until a transparent and meaningful consultation process is completed.
The CSOs stated that they remain committed to pursuing the matter through democratic and lawful means and urged the authorities to respond positively to the concerns of the people and civil society organisations of Tengnoupal District. They said they want peace, development and security, but security must come with trust, not against the wishes of the people.
The press release was jointly signed by LS. Seikhojang Baite, President, Kuki Chiefs Association, Tengnoupal District, Jacky Touthang, General Secretary, Hill Tribal Council, Moreh, Sonpao Haokip, Chairman, Molnoi Area Welfare Council, S. Phalneikim Mate, President, Kuki Women Union Human Rights, Tengnoupal District and Thangboi Lhungdim, President, Kuki Students Organisation, Tengnoupal District.
