ANSAM Declares 48-Hour Office Picketing in Protest Against Border Fencing and Scrapping of FMR; UNC Endorses Move

Ukhrul, June 1: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has announced a 48-hour office picketing in all Naga-inhabited hill districts of Manipur starting June 2, 2025, in strong opposition to the ongoing border fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) by the Government of India.

ANSAM in a press release today, expressed grave concern over what it described as the “forceful and aggressive” construction of the border fencing across traditional Naga territories. The student body condemned the government’s actions as “undemocratic and repressive,” stating that the project has already triggered a humanitarian crisis and poses a threat to the integrity of Naga ancestral lands.

The decision to enforce the office picketing follows a resolution adopted during ANSAM’s Presidential Council meeting held on May 12, 2025, and later reaffirmed in its Office Bearers meeting on May 26, 2025. The Association clarified that the protest is part of a series of democratic actions to oppose the fencing and demand the reinstatement of the FMR, which was scrapped on February 8, 2024.

Also read | ANSAM reaffirms support for Indo-Naga Peace Process, Demands unconditional release of all Naga Political Prisoners

“This movement is a united demonstration expressing our resentment,” the statement read. “We remind the Government of India once again to sincerely return to the negotiating table to resolve the long-standing Indo-Naga political issue,” ANSAM added.

ANSAM also called on all its constituent units and subordinate bodies to strictly observe the 48-hour picketing within their respective jurisdictions, emphasizing that the protest is in defense of the Naga people’s ancestral land and familial unity.

It also issued a stern warning to individuals, contractors, transporters, and agencies involved in the transport or supply of construction materials related to the fencing. It stated that any such activities must cease immediately, and any entities found facilitating the project will be held responsible for any untoward incidents that may occur.

ANSAM also held both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur accountable for any adverse developments arising from the ongoing dispute.

Also read | UNC Urges Governor to Reinstate FMR, Halt Border Fencing in Naga Areas, and Reverse Creation of 7 New Dists

In regard to the ANSAM move, the United Naga Council, the apex body of the Naga community in Manipur registering its stiff opposition against the imaginary Indo-Myanmar border and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime, said it stands in solidarity with ANSAM. “As endorsed in the Presidential Council Meeting held on March 26, 2025, and reaffirmed in the Council Assembly of the UNC vide Resolution No. 2 dated 30-05-2025, the UNC will stand in solidarity with ANSAM’s decision to take up office picketing in all the Naga Hill Districts for 48 hours with effect from 2nd June 2025,” UNC said on Sunday.

“All District apex bodies and Tribe Hoho Presidents are asked to cooperate “without fear or favour,” said UNC.