Ukhrul, Jan 16: The Manipur government has approved five border fencing and road projects along the Indo-Myanmar border for the BRO/25 BRTF.
In a letter dated January 13, 2025, addressed to the Commander of 25 BRTF, Peter Salam, the Joint Secretary (Home) has approved five border fence and road projects, citing the approval of the competent authority.
Must read | NSCN-IM Condemns GoI’s policy to Scrap Free Movement Regime and Border Fencing along Indo-Myanmar Border
The approved packages include Border Fence Packages V, covering the area from BP-43 to the west of the Manipur River, VI from BP-58 to BP-61, and VII from BP-85 to the Tarel River. Additionally, Border Road packages I and II for the Kuirei-Huishi-Poi and Border Road from Kovang to Tuitong were also approved.
The approval is granted to avoid delay in work implementation as the works are of strategic importance related to national security, the document said. It also stated that the approval is subject to the condition that compensation for land acquisition and compensatory levies for forest clearance is borne by BRO/ 25 BRTF and disbursed to concerned organizations as and when compensation costs are established and conveyed by the State Government to BRO/25 BRTF.
Must read | Kuki-Zo Council Condemns Border Fencing in Tengnoupal
Notably, various affected indigenous tribal groups have vehemently opposed the proposed construction of fencing along the Indo-Myanmar Border. The groups, Kuki-Zo and Naga civil organizations, have also decried the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) which allows cross-border movements within 16 km without visas to the residents.
The Kuki-Zo Council, the apex body of the Kuki-Zo people, had condemned the move and vowed to thwart it unitedly along with like-minded groups. The body had termed the scrapping of the FMR and border fencing as flagrant violations of international law and the rights of the indigenous people of the region.
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The NSCN-IM which is in talks with the Central Government had said that the scrapping of the FMR and the erection of border fences were being justified by the Indian Government under the pretext of national security, combating insurgency, and preventing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. However, the NSCN-IM viewed these actions as an attack on the Naga people’s shared identity and a violation of international law. It had warned that any negative consequences arising from these measures would be the responsibility of the Indian state.
Additionally, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) which is also in the coalition government has opposed the abolition of the Free Movement Regime and the proposed border fencing terming it as rubbing salt into the lingering wounds of the Nagas. It had stated that the border fencing along the ‘artificial and imaginary’ Indo-Myanmar border would cut off all cultural, economic, religious, and social ties with their brethren on the other side of the border. Further, the party warned of opposing it vehemently along with other ethnic groups of the region.
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In light of these oppositions from the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribal groups, it remains to be seen how the government proceed with the latest development.