Ukhrul: In one of the largest gatherings for a cause in Ukhrul district, over 10,000 Nagas from across Manipur and neighbouring Nagaland staged a massive protest on Wednesday against the removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the ongoing construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, which cuts through Naga-inhabited areas.
This marks the third mass rally in Tangkhul-inhabited areas within six months against the Centre’s policies.
Organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and various Tangkhul frontal organisations under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur, the public rally saw participation from prominent Naga leaders, including MLA Leishiyo Keishing, MLA Khashim Vashum, and leaders from UNC, Naga Hoho, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), and Global Naga Forum, all expressing solidarity with the movement demanding the restoration of the FMR and an immediate halt to border fencing.
People from Ukhrul town and surrounding villages, both young and old, joined the rally, which commenced from two locations—Dungrei Junction, Hungpung, and Kharasom Junction, Hunphun—before converging at Ukhrul Headquarters Ground for a public meeting.
Dressed predominantly in black and traditional attire, protesters carried placards and chanted slogans such as ‘Break down walls, build a better world’, ‘Unfence our future’, ‘No fence between families’, ‘Nagas will not be caged’, ‘Border fencing: A wall of oppression’, ‘Nagas and their land are inalienable’, and ‘Respect our roots, restore our rights’.
The demonstrators condemned the arbitrary division of the Naga homeland by British colonial rulers in the 1940s, calling it a “treacherous and scandalous” act that undermined the core existence of the Naga people. They accused the Government of India of reinforcing colonial-era “divide and rule” policies, further segregating the Naga people both physically and emotionally.
They asserted that constructing a border fence through Naga-inhabited areas along the Indo-Myanmar border would effectively reduce them to “wild animals caged in the jungles”.
Leaders speak out against scrapping of FMR
Addressing the gathering, TNL president Sword Vashum said the massive turnout demonstrated the Nagas’ firm opposition to the removal of FMR and border fencing in their homeland.
NPMHR General Secretary Neingulo Krome stated that the Centre’s decision to scrap FMR and implement border fencing is uniting the Naga people across different regions despite past differences.
“We do not need permission from any government or authority to live together, visit each other, or decide where to eat and sleep. These are our inherent rights, passed down by our ancestors,” Krome asserted.
UNC President NG Lorho said that when patience wears thin, endurance reaches its limit, and silence is no longer an option, people inevitably rise and declare, “Enough is enough.”
“It is well known that India’s refusal to recognise the demands of the Nagas has led to an armed struggle, and the conflict remains unresolved despite numerous rounds of political talks between the Government of India and the NSCN. Furthermore, the bilateral agreement between India and Myanmar that demarcated Naga areas with artificial borders was made without the informed consent of Naga villagers. The Government of India’s proposal to construct border fencing in the middle of Naga territory, disregarding traditional Naga boundaries with Myanmar, is unacceptable,” Lorho stated.
The UNC leader further argued that the removal of the FMR and imposition of border fencing is not just a policy shift but a direct attack on the dignity and rights of the Naga people.
“Let it be known that the Government of India’s sudden push for border fencing under the guise of national security appears to be a calculated move to further fragment and weaken the Naga people. The systematic oppression that began with the colonial division of Nagas through artificial borders is now being deepened by the Indian government,” he added.
Lorho called upon all Nagas to stand united, rise above self-interest, tribalism, and factionalism, and work collectively towards a common goal. He urged all Naga political groups, civil society organisations, student bodies, women’s organisations, politicians, intellectuals, bureaucrats, and the general public to join the movement.
“We are fighting for our land, our people, and our future. This is not the time for us to be deceived by anyone,” he added.
The rally concluded with a declaration of a memorandum, which will be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district.
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