Dimapur: S. Supongmeren Jamir, the lone Member of Parliament (MP) from Nagaland, addressed key concerns regarding the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and the India-Myanmar border during an interaction at the Nagaland International Coffee Seminar, held at Hotel Acacia in Dimapur.
The two-day event, organized by the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), focused on the theme “Beyond the Brew: Future Perspectives on Sustainable Coffee.”
Jamir confirmed that the ENPO issue, a longstanding demand for a separate state due to historical neglect, had been discussed in Parliament. “I have spoken on the ENPO issue in Parliament, and the Government of India has offered the Frontier Naga Territory (FNT). The ENPO has accepted this as the third offer. Now, it’s up to the government to implement it immediately,” Jamir said. The ENPO represents six tribes from eastern Nagaland and had been advocating for greater autonomy.
Addressing the proposed fencing along the India-Myanmar border, Jamir voiced strong opposition, particularly against the potential removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which currently allows people to cross 16 kilometers across the border without a visa. “No, there should not be any fencing between the Naga brothers. We are totally against it. For any security concerns, the Government of India has other measures, but fencing will not solve the problem,” Jamir stated. The proposed border fence has raised concerns in Nagaland, as it threatens to sever cultural and historical ties between Nagas on both sides of the international boundary.
When asked if he would raise the border fencing issue in Parliament, Jamir responded, “If time permits, we will definitely take it up.”
Jamir also criticized efforts to impose restrictions on food habits in Nagaland, such as the ban on cow slaughter proposed by certain groups as part of the “Gau Dhwaj Sthapna Bharat Yatra.” He condemned these actions as undemocratic, saying, “India is a champion of democracy. Something like this should not come to Nagaland in the first place. Let the Nagas be free from everything.”
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Commenting on a recent video that allegedly made derogatory statements about the governments of Nagaland and Meghalaya, Jamir dismissed the claims, saying, “These groups have a hidden agenda. Nagaland is strong enough, and we will not allow anything that goes against the wishes of our people, our traditions, culture, and religion.”
The Nagaland International Coffee Seminar will continue until October 2, focusing on sustainable coffee production and trade in the state.
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