Chandel, Tengnoupal Nagas rally against Border Fencing, FMR Scrapping; Kuki Body Extends Support

Chandel, Feb 12: Thousands of Nagas from Chandel and Tengnoupal districts held a mass rally in Chandel district headquarters, Chakpikarong, and Kapaam against the Indian government’s coercive construction of border fencing and scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border. The rally also called for expediting the Indo-Naga Peace negotiations.

In the Chandel district headquarters, the rally began at Maha Union Govt Higher Secondary School ground and ended at the DC Office complex where a memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, through the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel, L Nandakumar Singh, IAS.

Must read | ANSAM Vows Against Border Fencing, FMR

In the memorandum, the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) and leaders of the Naga tribe Hohos stated that the “Indo-Naga peace negotiations, a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution, are being jeopardized by the Government of India’s decision to construct border fencing in our ancestral territories”.

“This draconian measure has left us feeling betrayed, vulnerable, and apprehensive for our future, as it undermines the very foundation of our autonomy, territorial rights, and self-determination,” the memorandum stated.

The CNPO and tribe leaders also stated that “the construction of border fencing in our ancestral lands is a painful reminder of the historical injustices inflicted upon our people” as it “Erodes our sovereignty, Threatens our existence, and Undermines peace negotiations”.

The Naga leaders also expressed “deep-seated sentiments regarding the imposition of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) in our ancestral territories”.

Also read | India-Myanmar Border Fence and Indo-Naga Relation

“This draconian measure constitutes an egregious usurpation of our autonomy, cultural identity, and the indigenous way of life, imperiling our very existence and the sacred bond we share with our ancestral homelands”, the memorandum stated.

Through the memorandum, the CNPO, along with various Naga leaders of Chandel and Tengnoupal, called for PM Modi’s immediate intervention to suspend the Border Fencing Construction; repealing the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) in their ancestral homelands, as it constitutes a usurpation of our autonomy and Indigenous ways of life; expediting the Indo-Naga Peace Talk and ensuring a peaceful and lasting resolution.

Under Tengnoupal 42-AC (ST), the rally was held from three places, namely Kapaam, Tuishimi, and Aimol Satu, and culminated at Lamrinkhuw village in Chandel.

A copy of the memorandum was also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Tengnoupal, Krishna Kumar, IAS, through the ADC of the district.

Also read | UNC Reiterates Stance Against Border Fencing; Blames GoI & GoM for any Eventuality

In Chakpikarong, the rally was held from Tampi village Lamkhai to Public Ground, Chakpikarong.

During the rally in all the places, the Nagas held a banner that read “Mass Public Rally Protest Against Coercive Construction of Border Fencing & Scrapping of FMR Along Indo-Myanmar Border. Today, we stand together to defend and safeguard our Naga ancestral land and people”. The protesters held placards that read, ‘Break the Fence, Break the Chains’, ‘Naga Rights, Human Rights’, ‘Fences Divide, Love Unites’, ‘Respect our Roots, Restore our Rights’, etc.

Organized by CNPO, NSUC, and their units along with the Naga Chief Association, Chandel (NCAC), the thousands gathered raised slogans such as no border fencing, no scrapping of FMR and to expedite Naga peace talks.

In addition to the leaders of the Hohos tribe, the rally was attended by UNC General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, as well as representatives from the Naga Women’s Union, ANSAM, and other organizations.

Following the call for total shutdown, Chandel, Chakpikarong, and various Naga-dominated areas were all closed down with no movement of vehicles seen except for emergency purposes. The total shutdown was enforced mainly by student bodies of the district under the aegis of Naga Students’ Union Chandel.

Also read | Chandel to Observe Total Shutdown, Mass Rally on Feb 12 Against Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing

Meanwhile, the Kuki Chief Association Chandel District Committee on Border Fencing has supported the Mass rally and Shutdown called by CNPO on the 12th of February 2025 to oppose the proposed construction of the Border Fencing project along the Indo Myanmar Borders.

The body stated that it vehemently opposes the move of central and state government’s policy in trying to fence the border which cuts through villages, effectively dividing “our ancestral homelands”.

“This would not only disrupt the social and cultural fabric of our people but also hinder traditional practices that have been integral to our way of life for generations. It would create unnecessary divisions among communities that have historically lived in harmony across the border,” the body added.

Also read | Kuki-Zo Council Condemns Border Fencing in Tengnoupal