Nagas living along the Indo-Myanmar border have vehemently opposed the Government of India’s move to fence the 1,643-km-long border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
The decision, which is part of the Centre’s efforts to tighten border surveillance, has been met with resistance from the ethnic group, who argue that such measures violate their historical, cultural, and familial ties.
For centuries, Nagas have lived across the border in both India and Myanmar, sharing ancestral lands and familial connections. Many regard the international boundary as an "artificial" divide.
However, the government’s move to erect fences has sparked fears of further alienation among the Naga community.
Home Minister Amit Shah, in an X post on 6 February, asserted the Centre’s commitment to creating “impenetrable borders.”
He stated that the government would fence the border and build patrol tracks to improve surveillance. Around 10 km of fencing has already been completed in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, with another 21 km underway in other parts of Manipur.
The proposed fencing has drawn significant criticism from the Naga community.
Medovi Rhi, president of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), emphasised, “Today, this land belongs to us, to all the Nagas. And because of some individual's interest, we cannot compromise. The NSF will continue to fight for the cause of our land, and we will protect it.”
The NSF, along with the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), conducted a ‘Reconnaissance Mission’ in October to assess the impact of the proposed fencing and engage with locals. During the five-day visit, they observed concerns about the influx of illegal immigrants in border villages.
Villages like Choktong and Nongkham Satang in Tengnoupal district have reported a refugee crisis due to instability in Myanmar. Choktong’s village authority chairman, Peter, highlighted that “690 refugees from across the border are currently taking refuge in the village,” surpassing the indigenous population.
Despite acknowledging the government’s concerns about illegal immigration and smuggling, Naga leaders insist that scrapping the FMR is not a viable solution.
Ruwnglar Elly Anal, president of the Naga Students’ Union Chandel, warned that fencing would further divide the Naga community, stating, “The Nagas will never accept the border fencing.”
The FMR, introduced in 2018 under the Act East Policy, allows people to move freely up to 16 km on either side of the border without documentation. Naga leaders argue that its removal will disrupt their social and economic lives.
Ng Lorho, president of the United Naga Council (UNC), described the move as a “ploy to sabotage and weaken the spirit of Naga nationalism.”
The NSF, during its mission, visited border villages in Kamjong district to understand the sentiments of locals. They found that headmen in border villages, including Ramphoi, were deeply concerned about arbitrary placement of border pillars.
Shimthar Kamodang, headman of Ramphoi, criticised the historical injustice, saying, “The Naga ancestral land stretches beyond the Chindwin River, and those residing on the other side are our family members.”
In addition to student organisations, political parties such as the Naga People’s Front (NPF) have also opposed the move. Honreikhui Kashung, general secretary of the NPF, asserted that the proposal should not proceed without rectifying the traditional boundaries.
Civil society organisations like the Naga Women Union (NWU) echoed similar concerns.
NWU president Priscilla Thiumai remarked, “In a global view, international boundary fencing is to control illegal immigration, smuggling, human trafficking, etc. The Indian government should bring out the best policy, a policy that does not disturb the existence of people between two countries.”
The ongoing tension has also brought attention to a border survey conducted in October, which locals claim was carried out without their consent. The survey faced protests from villagers, who warned the government against arbitrary actions that disregard local sentiments.
Naga leaders have likened the move to the fall of the Berlin Wall, warning that the proposed fence will only exacerbate tensions.
NSF senior leader Eshuo Krelo declared, “History will repeat itself if a fence is erected in the Naga homelands. We desire to live as good neighbours, but provocation or intimidation will not be tolerated.”
The Nagas have vowed to continue resisting the proposed fencing, insisting that the government engage in meaningful dialogue that respects their rights and heritage.
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