The Indian government has planned to erect a fence along the India-Myanmar border, as well as terminate the Free Movement Regime. Construction of the fence is progressing rapidly. Meanwhile, the Naga community of Manipur, along with other northeastern groups, has expressed concerns over the unilateral end of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the construction of this boundary fence. On Saturday, the United Naga Council (UNC) held a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan located in Imphal.
In this meeting, the UNC delegation was led by NG Lorho. Lorho clarified that they are not against the construction of the fence along the India-Myanmar border but emphasized that demarcation should respect the boundaries of traditional Naga territories. Construction on Naga land is unacceptable. He requested the Governor to escalate this matter to the central government.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla assured the delegation that this issue has already been communicated to the Home Ministry. He appealed for peace and restraint. The next meeting is scheduled for August 19. UNC leader NG Lorho warned that their organization would continue their movement regarding their demands, regardless of whether they are invited to the next meeting. On August 11, UNC had already warned the government that a major protest would occur if their issues were ignored.
What is the whole issue?
For a long time, the Naga community families, relatives, and ethnic groups have settled on both sides of the India-Myanmar border. There are numerous villages with homes that straddle the border, where stepping from one room into another means crossing countries. The Free Movement Regime (FMR) has played an essential role in maintaining these dense cultural and familial ties. Under FMR, people were able to move freely, trade, and socialize within a 16-kilometer radius without a passport or visa. The border between Manipur and Myanmar extends 398 kilometers, with 9 kilometers of fencing already completed in Moreh and an additional 21 kilometers of fencing and road construction underway.
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However, the installation of the fence and the termination of the FMR have had a profound impact on the daily lives of the Naga community. It not only disrupts their familial relations but also jeopardizes their cultural identity and social heritage. The Naga people perceive this as an assault on their unity and traditional rights, as the fence weakens their historical identity.
There is also a significant political dimension. The Naga community sees this as a new form of colonial injustice and political encirclement, potentially stifling their political voice. The fencing disrupts traditional small businesses, weddings, religious events, and local interactions, which is detrimental to the local economy.
The government justifies the fencing as a measure to prevent illegal smuggling and enhance security, but the Naga community argues that solutions should be found through local inclusion and dialogue, rather than by sealing the border and severing familial and cultural ties.
