Kamjong: Nagas living across borders continue to strongly oppose the Government of India’s decision to construct border fencing and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border, arguing that such measures pose an existential threat to their identity, traditional way of life, and ancestral lands.
In February, reiterating their strong opposition, hundreds of Nagas from 66 villages under the Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (Tangkhul Naga Eastern Union) in Manipur’s Kamjong district took out a mega rally, demanding an immediate halt to all activities related to the border fencing project and the reinstatement of FMR.
Leaders from various Tangkhul frontal organizations, including the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul Shanao Long (women’s organization), participated in the rally.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans like “We oppose border fencing”, “Restore Free Movement Regime”, “Stop forceful division”, “Our land, our rights”, “Yes to peace, no to dispute”, and “Revoke border fencing process immediately”, the rallyists marched from the public ground at Tangrei, crossed the Assam Rifles check post, and returned to the starting point for a public meeting.
A memorandum was also submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla through Kamjong district’s Deputy Commissioner Raang Peter, demanding an immediate halt to border fencing and the reinstatement of FMR.
Custodians of Ancestral Lands
According to Nathan Awungshi, president of TNZL, the Tangkhul Naga eastern region shares a 104 km border with Myanmar, stretching from Indo-Myanmar Border Pillar No. 90 to 124, encompassing the area from Zoro to Kachouphung village, where fencing is underway.
TNZL, a cultural and traditional apex body, represents 66 revenue villages under the Zingsho (Eastern Tangkhul) region in Manipur.
Notably, around 276 Tangkhul villages are located in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, while about 36 villages exist along the Somra tract in Myanmar.
Awungshi emphasized that the division of their land between India and Myanmar was an artificial imposition, disregarding the Naga people’s shared history, culture, and way of life.
“After they divided us by imposing an artificial boundary, the Government of India is now planning to divide us further by permanently closing ties. This poses an existential threat to the Naga community, imperiling our cultural heritage, social fabric, and economic livelihood,” said Awungshi.
In the memorandum, Awungshi stated, “The Nagas living on both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border have always considered themselves one people, bound by deep familial, social, and economic ties. Despite being politically divided, we have coexisted as a single community, sustaining our traditions, cultural practices, and livelihoods through cross-border interactions.”
He further asserted that the Zingsho region has long served as home to Tangkhul Nagas, who have preserved their distinct culture and way of life for centuries.
“The border villages of Zingsho have existed since time immemorial, deeply rooted in our collective history, standing as sentinels of our traditions and custodians of our ancestral land,” Awungshi said.
Despite historical challenges and shifting political landscapes, he noted that the community has withstood the test of time, remaining steadfast in its identity and cultural practices.
“Any policy or decision affecting this region must acknowledge and respect the sentiments of the Naga indigenous community. Our traditions, our right to coexist, and our historical ties cannot and must not be ignored,” he stated.
Center’s Policy: An Attack on Naga Identity?
Recognizing the historical and social reality, the Government of India had earlier implemented the Free Movement Regime (FMR), allowing people on both sides of the border to continue their traditional and cultural exchanges without hindrance.
However, the sudden scrapping of FMR and the ongoing border fencing project threaten to sever these age-old connections, leading to cultural, social, and economic isolation, Awungshi alleged.
“This is not just an administrative decision—it is a direct attack on our identity and a serious threat to the very survival of our community,” he said.
Expressing deep concern over the issue, he added that fencing and restricted movement would prevent people from performing traditional ceremonies, visiting ancestral lands, and maintaining their customary way of life.
“Our people have relied on cross-border trade and interaction for generations. Cutting off access will bring severe economic distress to many families. At the same time, the Naga people have an inherent right to maintain their identity and social structure, which this policy is now violating,” Awungshi stated.
Further warning of potential unrest, he argued that history has shown how artificially imposed separations create hardship and resentment among affected communities.
Urging the Government of India to halt the ongoing border fencing project and reconsider its impact on indigenous communities, Awungshi emphasized that the Nagas have always sought peace, justice, and the right to exist as one people.
“The Government of India must engage in meaningful consultations with Naga civil bodies and community leaders to address our concerns and respect our historical rights,” he said.
United Naga Council (UNC) Submits Memorandum
Echoing these concerns, Sword Vashum, president of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), said the Nagas vehemently oppose the border fencing and the scrapping of FMR.
“These measures are strongly opposed by the Tangkhul community, and we will continue the fight to protect our rights until justice is served,” Vashum stated.
Last month, the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga body in Manipur, submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla during his maiden visit to Senapati district, urging immediate action on issues affecting the Naga community.
The memorandum called for the ongoing construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border to be stopped and for the FMR scrapping to be revoked. The UNC argued that the fencing threatens Naga ancestral lands, disrupts traditional ties between villages on both sides of the border, and negatively impacts local biodiversity.
The UNC also stated that fencing restricts access to ancestral lands, which have long served as a source of livelihood and cultural heritage.
Additionally, the Naga apex body demanded that the FMR coverage be expanded from 16 km to 40 km, as it was before the 1950s.
It urged the government to explore alternative solutions, such as enforcing citizenship laws, without negatively affecting indigenous communities.
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