Achumbemo Kikon urges PM Modi to ‘work with Naga people rather than against their wishes’ at Public Rally held against Border Fencing, Scrapping of FMR

Ukhrul, April 3: A Public Mass Rally in protest against Border Fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) was jointly organized by the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) on April 3, at ITC Dan, Pangsha, a press release from Naga People’s Front said.

During the rally, Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and Secretary General of the NPF, addressed various critical issues. In his speech, he delivered a strong message to the concerned authorities and the Government of India, urging them to listen to the voices of the Naga people and understand their opposition to border fencing. Mr. Kikon emphasized that the purpose of the gathering was to protect the land and the people on both sides of the border. He firmly warned that such policies would not be allowed to proceed.

Mr. Kikon questioned the Government of India on the rationale behind implementing a divisive policy that seeks to separate the Naga people. He stated that the Nagas are simple, honest, frank, and innocent, and in the past, both India and Burma had taken advantage of these noble traits to suppress them. While past ignorance may have allowed such exploitation, he asserted that the Nagas are now fully aware of their rights and capable of defending and protecting their land and people.

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He highlighted that while their ancestors were headhunters, times have changed. However, the Nagas will continue to uphold their culture, traditions, and rights without compromise. Referring to the Government of India’s order issued on December 18, 2024, which reduced the free movement zone from 16 km to 10 km and mandated a permit for border crossing with a seven-day pass, Mr. Kikon stated that the Nagas could not accept such restrictions.

He also shared details of the House Resolution against the scrapping of the FMR, emphasizing that all elected members are united on this issue. He affirmed that the Naga People’s Front (NPF), as the people’s party, will stand firmly against policies that threaten the protection and rights of the Naga people.

Mr. Kikon called on the people to be prepared to face the challenges posed by the FMR and border fencing policies. He also spoke about the Act East Policy of the Government of India, warning that its success would be unattainable without the full involvement and consideration of the Naga people. He stressed that the Naga homeland is crucial for India’s connectivity with Southeast Asian countries and should not be overlooked in policymaking.

Dismissing the Government of India’s claims that border fencing is necessary to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, he stated that such issues do not exist in the border areas. He reiterated the opposition to FMR restrictions and border fencing, emphasizing the importance of respecting people’s rights to ensure peace and development.

Also read | Tangkhul Naga Community Protests Border Fencing, Demands Restoration of Free Movement Regime; Submits MoU to PM Modi

Mr. Kikon also referenced the British colonial approach to the Nagas, which recognized their distinct identity and allowed them to live in excluded areas. He further narrated the visit of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Burma’s Premier, U Nu, highlighting the humiliation faced from Naga general public during that time. He suggested that Nehru’s failure to allow the Naga leaders to speak contributed to the longstanding political issues faced by the Nagas.

Although the present Government of India opposes Nehru’s policies, he noted that, consciously or unconsciously, it is still following similar lines concerning the Nagas.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Kikon appealed to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to work with the Naga people rather than against their wishes. He acknowledged that past Indian leaders may have caused significant problems for the Nagas but urged the current leadership to take them along in national policies.

Also read | Scrapping of FMR, a Final Betrayal of Naga Sovereignty: Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu

He expressed gratitude to the KTC for organizing the rally and ensuring its success. Other speakers at the rally included Hon’ble MLA Mr. P. Longon, KTC President Mr. L. Ngon, NPF President Mr. Apong Pongener, and student leaders from Myanmar. The event was attended by various leaders and members of the public from different walks of life.

This is a press release of the NPF Bureau issued on April 3, 2025