The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) has submitted a formal memorandum to the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, seeking reconsideration of the Tribunal’s order dated 23 December 2025, which directed a halt to the construction of the Songpi–Kanggui Local Highway, popularly referred to as the “German Road” or “Tiger Road”.
In its memorandum dated 6 January 2026, routed through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, WKZIC stated that the road is not a new commercial project, but an improvement and strengthening of a traditional village-to-village route that has existed for decades and was built and maintained by local hill communities themselves.
The council emphasized the humanitarian importance of the road, particularly after the 3 May 2023 crisis, which left many Kuki-Zo hill areas geographically isolated. According to WKZIC, the improved road has functioned as a critical lifeline, enabling access to healthcare, transport of food and relief materials, safe movement between villages, and support for humanitarian and rehabilitation services.
WKZIC further asserted that the initiative involved no commercial intent, mining, industrial activity, or environmental exploitation, and that the land through which the road passes is traditionally and legally owned by indigenous hill communities under customary land systems. The council maintained that the communities are natural custodians of the forests and have long practiced sustainable coexistence with the environment.
While acknowledging the right of any group to approach legal forums, the memorandum noted that the petition leading to the halt order arises within a sensitive ethnic context, and stressed that the road should be viewed strictly as a humanitarian necessity, not as a subject of inter-community competition.
Reaffirming its commitment to environmental protection and forest preservation, WKZIC requested the Tribunal to revoke or modify the halt order, or alternatively, allow the work to continue under regulated environmental monitoring and community-led sustainability protocols, citing the extraordinary circumstances in Manipur’s hill districts.
The memorandum was signed by T. Samuel Zou, General Secretary, WKZIC, and Dr. T.S. Haokip, President, WKZIC, expressing hope that the Tribunal would consider the appeal on humanitarian grounds, describing the road as a matter of life, dignity, and essential access for vulnerable hill villagers.
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