Naga Students in Manipur Protest Against Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing and FMR Scrapping
Chandel, March 20 – The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), along with 19 Naga student bodies from across the state, organized a large-scale peace rally at N Satang village in Tengnoupal district on Wednesday. The demonstration was held in protest against the Indian government’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The rally, held under the banner of the People’s Movement Against Scrapping of FMR and Imposed Border Fencing in Naga Homeland, saw hundreds of students and leaders demanding the reinstatement of FMR and an immediate halt to the border fencing project.
Chanting slogans such as “Reinstate FMR,” “Respect the Framework Agreement,” and “Stop Imposed Border Fencing,” the protestors argued that the arbitrary border division has historically separated the Naga people. They asserted that Nagas should not be required to carry identity cards or Aadhaar cards to move within what they consider their ancestral land.
ANSAM President Calls for Respecting Naga Rights
Speaking at the event, ANSAM president Th. Angteshang criticized the government’s move, stating that the fencing and the scrapping of FMR violate the rights of the indigenous Naga people.
“The Indian government has divided Nagas using an arbitrary line. Today, we stand here in Satang village to oppose the scrapping of FMR and the border fencing. Why should Nagas have to prove their identity to enter their own land?” he questioned.
He also emphasized that the demonstration was part of a larger movement to safeguard the rights of the Naga people and called on the Indian government to honor the Framework Agreement signed between the Centre and Naga representatives.
Student Leaders Demand Implementation of UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights
The student leaders also invoked Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which recognizes the right of indigenous communities divided by international borders to maintain social, cultural, and economic ties.
Quoting the declaration, they stated:
“Indigenous peoples, particularly those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations, and cooperation… with their own members as well as with other peoples across borders.”
They urged the Government of India to uphold these principles and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Naga people instead of imposing unilateral decisions.
Call for Unity and Resistance
ANSAM leaders urged all Naga communities to unite and resist the fencing project, which they view as a direct threat to their territorial and cultural integrity.
“Our forefathers fought to protect this land, and now it is our turn to continue the fight. If we don’t stand up for our land, no one else will,” declared a student leader.
Sr. Andria Anal, ANSAM’s speaker, also lauded the resilience of the eastern Maring community and the villagers of Satang, who have actively resisted the border fencing project.
“Your spirit keeps this movement alive. Because of your determination, victory will be ours,” he said.
March to Border Fencing Site
The protestors marched through the village and towards the area where land has been cleared for border fencing construction. Holding placards and banners, they continued chanting slogans to express their firm opposition to what they called an “imposed” decision by the Indian government.
The demonstration concluded peacefully, but ANSAM warned that the movement would continue until their demands are met.
This protest comes amid growing opposition from various indigenous communities in the Northeast against the border fencing project, which they argue disrupts their traditional way of life and severs familial and cultural ties across the Indo-Myanmar border.