The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has urgently called upon the Government of India to reconsider its decision to annul the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar. This move, deemed oppressive by the GNF, has far-reaching consequences, disrupting longstanding cultural practices and cross-border relations of the Nagas.
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The annulment of the FMR, originally established in 1953 without the consent of the Naga people, strikes at the core of Naga cultural fabric, creating imaginary boundaries that now hinder essential commodity access from key trade centers, says GNF.
Notably, this decision also jeopardizes the fragile trust-building measures crucial to the Indo-Naga political negotiations, potentially escalating tensions in the Northeast and hindering the region’s progress and stability, it added.
The GNF emphasizes that Manipur Chief Minister’s decision to scrap the FMR adds complexity to an already intricate situation, posing a threat to the unique political problems of different states in the Northeast. This assault on the Nagas extends beyond immediate borders and contradicts the Act East policy, undermining the essence of connectivity and cooperation within the region.
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In a call to action, the Global Naga Forum urges the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India to intervene urgently, preventing further escalation of conflicts and fostering a conducive environment for resolution. The Nagas assert their determination not to stand idly by as their rights and cultural heritage face jeopardy, emphasizing that this struggle transcends Manipur, representing a broader resistance against persistent oppression. The GNF underscores the principles of justice, humanity, and the indomitable spirit of the Nagas as the driving force behind their call for justice.
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