Amid escalating tensions in the North-East, four apex Naga civil society organisations in Manipur have jointly issued a 20-day ultimatum to the Centre, demanding immediate withdrawal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) rollback and cessation of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar frontier.
The United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women’s Union (NWU), and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights – South (NPMHR-S) on Monday submitted a memorandum via the Governor of Manipur to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, condemning what they called an “imposed and unilateral” decision made without dialogue with the affected indigenous communities.
In a strongly worded joint statement, the groups expressed deep anguish over the Centre’s ongoing border demarcation in Naga ancestral lands. They cited multiple rallies and memoranda submitted between January and July across Senapati, Chandel, Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, all demanding respect for traditional land rights and an end to what they termed an aggressive and arbitrary demarcation.
“The Government of India has failed to consult or engage with the traditional landowners and stakeholders of these territories,” the statement noted. It further alleged that India’s actions violate Articles 8, 26, and 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which the country has endorsed.
The groups warned of widespread civil agitation across the Naga-inhabited hill districts of Manipur should the Centre ignore their appeal within the given 20-day timeframe.
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The memorandum outlines three non-negotiable demands:
- Immediate revocation of the FMR abrogation;
- A complete halt to fencing and demarcation works in Naga ancestral lands;
- Initiation of time-bound and meaningful dialogue with Naga civil society organisations and stakeholders.
The Free Movement Regime had permitted residents along the international boundary to travel 16 km across either side without a visa, respecting long-standing familial and tribal ties across the India-Myanmar border. Its rollback, coupled with physical fencing, has triggered deep unease among border communities who fear it could divide ethnic Nagas and disrupt cultural and social bonds.
The signatories reminded Delhi of previous memoranda submitted not only to Jaishankar but also to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, all of which remain unacknowledged.
“The systematic neglect and disregard shown by the Government to indigenous peoples’ rights and voices sets a dangerous precedent,” the statement said.
With local sentiment running high, the ultimatum signals the potential for a significant flashpoint in a state already marred by ethnic tensions. The Centre is yet to respond formally to the demands.
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