UNC Urges Manipur Governor to Halt Border Fencing and Reinstate Free Movement Regime
United Naga Council (UNC) has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging the immediate stoppage of the ongoing physical fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border and the reinstatement of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). The council also sought the Governor’s intervention in the ongoing tripartite talks between the Government of Manipur, the Government of India, and the UNC regarding the rollback of the seven districts created in 2016.
UNC Calls Indo-Myanmar Border ‘Imaginary and Arbitrary’
In the memorandum, the UNC criticized the demarcation of the Indo-Myanmar border, calling it an “arbitrary and imaginary” division that was imposed without the consent of the Naga people. The memorandum states, “The drawing of an imposed and imaginary international boundary in the middle of our homeland without the informed consent of the locals was the cruelest treatment meted out to the Nagas.”
The UNC highlighted that the border cuts across ancestral Naga lands, dividing families and communities. It cited the example of Longwa village, where the house of the village chief is split between India and Myanmar, with the sleeping quarters in Indian territory and the kitchen in Myanmar. “This is a grim injustice that continues to impact our people to this day,” the memorandum added.
Concerns Over Disruption of Social and Economic Ties
The UNC raised strong objections to the ongoing construction of border fencing, arguing that it disrupts the historical and cultural ties between Naga communities living on both sides of the border. “Since time immemorial, Naga villagers living across the border have shared deep ties in terms of social, economic, cultural, and religious aspects. The abrupt abrogation of FMR and construction of physical border fencing has severely disrupted the natural flow of community and familial relationships,” the council stated.
The memorandum further pointed out that many Naga families own land on both sides of the border, and the fencing project would deny them access to their own ancestral lands. It also raised concerns over environmental consequences, warning that the fencing could disrupt wildlife migration patterns, threaten biodiversity hotspots, and damage the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Rejection of Government’s Justifications for Scrapping FMR
The UNC strongly opposed the justification given by the government for scrapping the FMR and constructing the border fence, which is purportedly aimed at preventing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. “This move of the government to scrap FMR and construct border fencing on the pretext of checking the drug menace and illegal immigrants is a total misconception and politically illogical,” the memorandum stated.
The council argued that there is no evidence of illegal arms or drug smuggling in Naga areas and urged the government to adopt alternative measures such as the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) instead of disrupting the lives of border communities. “The decision to end the FMR is nothing less than ‘rubbing salt in old wounds’ for the Nagas,” the UNC remarked.
Demand for Respecting Traditional Boundaries and Reinstituting FMR
The UNC emphasized that their demands were not meant to be an “anti-India campaign” but rather an appeal for justice and recognition of traditional boundaries. They urged the government to reconsider its approach and engage in sincere dialogue with Naga representatives. “Respecting the historical and traditional boundaries of the Nagas will serve a fair dividend to both the Nagas and the Government of India in the long run, as we embark on a relationship of peaceful co-existence with mutual respect,” the council stated.
As a way forward, the UNC recommended reinstating the Free Movement Regime and extending its coverage from the existing 16 km to 40 km, as was in place before the 1950s. They argued that this would facilitate local trade, improve access to healthcare and education for border residents, and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and Myanmar.
Intervention in the Tripartite Talks on District Rollback
The memorandum also sought the Governor’s intervention in the ongoing tripartite talks concerning the rollback of seven districts that were created in Manipur on December 8, 2016. The talks involve the Government of Manipur, the Government of India, and the UNC, with A.K. Mishra, Advisor (Northeast) to the Government of India, overseeing the discussions.
The UNC stated that the resolution of the district issue is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the state. “We believe that with your arrival as the Governor of the State, your administration will surely bring about peace and normalcy,” the council expressed in the memorandum.
Appeal for Immediate Government Action
Concluding its appeal, the UNC urged the Manipur government to halt the fencing project, reinstate the FMR, and ensure a logical resolution of the tripartite talks on the district rollback issue. The council also warned that if the government proceeds with the border fencing without proper consultation, it could lead to “irreparable ramifications and an unprecedented uprising of the people.”
The memorandum has been forwarded to the Chief Secretary of Manipur for further consideration.