Kamjong: The Naga Students Federation (NSF), along with the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), embarked on a five-day journey to visit border villages in Chandel and Kamjong districts, assessing the implications of the Center’s decision to fence the border and the recent abrogation of the FMR (Free Movement Regime).
Held from October 21 to 25 under the theme “Safeguarding Naga Homeland: Breaking Barriers & Shadow Lines,” the NSF Reconnaissance Mission team included members from NSF, ANSAM, United Naga Council (UNC), Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Wungnao Long, and leaders from other federating units. The team visited border villages Shangkaloh (Kheronram) and Phaikoh and inspected border pillar No. 102 to assess the ground situation.
During an interaction session with local residents and headmen of Shangkaloh, NSF President Medovi Rhi expressed heartfelt condolences for two NSF members who lost their lives in a tragic road accident during the mission on Thursday morning.
Rhi noted that although the formation of the Naga National Council (NNC) occurred nearly a century ago, the current hardships Nagas face stem from policies created within their own framework. Reaffirming the NSF’s stance, he declared that the Nagas “will not allow the fencing of the border areas” and reject the artificial boundary pillars across Naga homelands.
“We are Nagas, and there is no such thing as south Nagas or east Nagas. There is only one Naga, and the NSF stands for that. Today, we are here as our elders envisioned, as ‘Nagas without borders,’” Rhi asserted.
The Naga student leader also issued a strong caution to both India and Myanmar, warning them against interfering with the future of the Nagas. “Nagas are a peace-loving people, and outsiders cannot decide the future of the Nagas. India should not test the patience of the Nagas,” he stated firmly.
Acknowledging the Tangkhul community’s vital role in the Naga movement, Rhi congratulated the Tangkhul student organization (TKS) for their steadfast support and leadership toward the NSF’s goal. “NSF will continue to honor the deceased and fight for the living, always standing at the forefront for the unity and glory of the Nagas,” he said.
Rhi also expressed regret over the lack of a common Naga language, emphasizing the need for Nagas from various regions to learn Nagamese and establish it as the official language for communication among themselves.
Ramphoi headman Shimthar Kamodang criticized the arbitrary placement of border pillars at Huimin Thana, Phaikoh, and other areas, asserting, “The Naga ancestral land stretches beyond the Chindwin River, and those residing on the other side are our family members.” He recalled that during Nehru’s regime in 1956, India and Myanmar exchanged the Kabaw Valley with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands without the consent of the rightful landowners, the Nagas. Kamodang attributed this historical injustice to the lack of education and awareness among their ancestors at the time.
NSF senior leader Eshuo Krelo shared that the purpose of the visit was to demonstrate solidarity with Nagas living across artificial borders. “Nagas have endured the ‘divide and rule’ policy for many years,” he said. Regarding the Center’s plan to end the FMR by erecting a border fence, Krelo emphasized that the NSF “cannot and will never allow this fencing to happen in our Naga homelands,” drawing parallels to the fall of the Berlin Wall. “History will repeat itself if a fence is erected in the Naga homelands. We desire to live as good neighbors, but any provocation or intimidation will not be tolerated.”
Krelo further noted that since the crisis erupted in neighboring Myanmar, the Naga homeland has been sheltering refugees, particularly Burmese and Kukis. He underscored that while they remain as good neighbors, he hopes a peaceful situation will eventually allow them to return to their villages and countries.
On Tuesday, the NSF team also visited border pillar No. 82 near Nongkham Satang village in Tengnoupal district, assessing the situation and meeting with village authorities from Nongkham Satang and Choktong. However, due to the tragic road accident that claimed two members, the scheduled trip to border villages in Ukhrul district on Friday was put on hold.
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