Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla held detailed discussions with leaders of the United Naga Council (UNC) on Saturday as concerns grow over the ongoing India-Myanmar border fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). The UNC has been strongly opposing both initiatives, warning that they would divide Naga communities living on both sides of the international boundary.
According to a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan, the delegation explained its reservations over the fencing works and requested the governor to take up the issue with the Union government. “The governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and informed them that the matter had already been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs,” the statement said, adding that the governor also urged the UNC to maintain peace and restraint as dialogue continues.
UNC president Ng Lorho said the governor had emphasised the need for central representation in discussions concerning the India-Myanmar border. “He assured that he will facilitate a dialogue between the Government of India and the UNC very shortly,” Lorho said. “In the meantime, our stand against border fencing and the scrapping of FMR remains the same. Both parties agreed to reconvene for the next round of discussions within three days.”
Naga groups maintain that the fencing and the termination of FMR would have a direct impact on the cultural and social life of the Naga population, which is spread across both sides of the border.
The Free Movement Regime was introduced in 2018 under the Act East policy to allow members of hill tribes living within 16 km of the India–Myanmar border to travel across the boundary using a border pass. Under the revised rules announced in February 2024, the regime was scrapped citing internal security concerns, and cross-border movement was restricted to a shorter distance of only 10 km.
Also read: 'Peace returning slowly to Manipur,' says Governor Ajay Bhalla
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