UNC Demands Restoration of Free Movement Regime and Rollback of 2016 Districts in Manipur

Imphal, May 4 — The United Naga Council (UNC) has submitted a memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, calling for the immediate reinstatement of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border and the rollback of seven districts created in 2016.

In the memorandum dated May 2, the UNC expressed concern over the Ministry of Home Affairs’ February decision to scrap the FMR, which previously allowed hill tribe members residing within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border to cross over with a border pass valid for a year. The regime had enabled short-term visits of up to two weeks, fostering close socio-cultural and economic ties between Naga communities on both sides of the 1,643 km border.

Signed by UNC president Ng. Lorho and general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, the memorandum highlighted the impact on border-dwelling Naga tribes such as the Tangkhul, Anal, Moyon, Lamkang, and Maring. These groups span across Manipur’s Ukhrul and Chandel districts and Myanmar’s Sagaing Division.

The UNC argued that the scrapping of FMR undermines Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), which protects indigenous peoples’ cross-border ties. Though India did not sign the declaration, it voted in favour of its adoption.

The council also criticized the government’s fencing initiatives along an 80 km stretch in the Naga-dominated areas of Chandel and Tengnoupal districts. It warned that such fencing not only disrupts human interaction but also violates international environmental conventions like the Convention on Migratory Species, by obstructing the natural routes of wildlife.

Additionally, the UNC revisited its long-standing opposition to the creation of seven districts in 2016 under the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government. The districts—Jiribam, Kamjong, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Noney, Pherzawl, and Kangpokpi—were formed without consulting Naga stakeholders, in breach of prior agreements and a 2011 Central government assurance to maintain the status quo.

Terming the 2016 decision a breach of trust, the UNC recalled the widespread protests and a 139-day economic blockade imposed on key national highways at the time. The council urged the government to address these “unresolved issues” in light of the ongoing geographical and ethnic tensions in the state.

The UNC concluded its memorandum by calling for inclusive dialogue, respect for indigenous rights, and policies rooted in historical and cultural sensitivity.