Ukhrul, Feb 21: The Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang, comprising of 66 revenue villages of Kamjonh District on Friday organised a rally in protest against scrapping of Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construction of border fencing at Kamjong Headquarters.
The Indo-Myanmar Border Pillar No. 90 to Pillar No. 124, numbering to 35 Border Pillar is erected at the jurisdiction and range of Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang and measuring a total length of 104 kilometres. “We do not want to live separated by border walls. We want to live together peacefully as a family” stated President of TNZL, AS. Nathan.
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TNL President, Sword Vashum stated that ‘We are a beautiful creation of God. Our land is an inherent gift from God. No one can divide our land, piece by piece, because of the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki that erupted on 3 May 2023. Who is responsible for the influx of illegal immigrants at the borders? Who is responsible for the illegal activities that are being carried out across the border? Let this message be loud and clear to the Central and State government, that we will strongly oppose border fencing and scrapping of FMR in our area.”
TSL President, Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi stated that “We are at the crossroad. We are yet to face the real heat at the border because of border fencing and scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Let us be ready for any eventualities come what may.”
TKS President, Ramreichan Keishing stated that “Not by choice but by blood, we are Naga. Unitedly let us oppose the border fencing and scrapping of the free movement regime.”
TMNL President In-charge, stated that ‘because of border fencing and scrapping of FMR, we have already lost our two beloved and dynamic leaders, Late. Themmaso Tallanao, President of TMNL and Late. Masothing, Assistant General Secretary of TMNL on 24 October 2024. The real battle is yet to begin. Let us be prepared for the road ahead.”
Editorial | Tribal Approach in Manipur
On behalf of 66 revenue villages of Kamjong District, the Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL), submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Manipur through the Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong. The memorandum reads “With utmost respect and deep concern, we, the undersigned representatives of Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL), submit this memorandum to express our strong opposition to the border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). These actions pose an existential threat to our people, our identity, and our traditional way of life.
Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL) is a cultural and traditional apex body, mandated to represent 66 revenue villages of Manipur State of the Zingsho region. As a popularly elected organization, TNZL serves as the guardian of our ancestral customs, traditions, and identity, ensuring the continuity of our rich heritage. Our region shares a long eastern border with Myanmar, where our people have lived for centuries, preserving and protecting their distinct culture and way of life. The border villages of Zingsho have existed since time immemorial, deeply rooted in our collective history, standing as sentinels of our traditions and custodians of our ancestral land.
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Despite historical challenges and shifting political landscapes, our people have withstood the test of time, remaining steadfast in their identity and cultural practices. Any policy or decision affecting this region must acknowledge and respect the sentiments of the Naga indigenous community. Our traditions, our right to coexist, and our historical ties cannot and must not be ignored.
The Naga people have lived in this region long before the creation of modern political boundaries. The division of our land between India and Myanmar was an artificial imposition, disregarding the reality of our shared history, culture, and ancestry. The Nagas living on both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border have always considered themselves one people, bound by deep familial, social, and economic ties. Despite being politically divided, we have coexisted as a single community, sustaining our traditions, cultural practices, and livelihoods through cross-border interactions.
Recognizing this historical and social reality, the Government of India had implemented the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed our people to continue their traditional and cultural exchanges without hindrance. However, the sudden scrapping of FMR and the ongoing border fencing project are now threatening to sever these age-old connections, leading to cultural, social, and economic isolation. This is not just an administrative decision—it is a direct attack on our identity and a serious threat to the very survival of our community.
Must read | Critical Message from the Editorial team
The consequences of this policy are far-reaching:
- Cultural and Traditional Severance – Fencing and restricted movement will prevent our people from performing traditional ceremonies, visiting ancestral lands, and maintaining our customary way of life.
- Economic Hardship – Our people have relied on cross-border trade and interaction for generations. Cutting off access will bring severe economic distress to many families.
- Violation of Indigenous Rights – The Naga people have an inherent right to maintain their identity and social structure, which this policy is now violating.
- Threat to Regional Stability – History has shown that artificially imposed separations create unrest and hardship, leading to resentment among affected communities.
The border fencing and removal of FMR are unacceptable to our people. We demand that:
- The Government of India immediately halt the ongoing border fencing project and reconsider its impact on indigenous communities.
- The Free Movement Regime (FMR) be reinstated to allow traditional and cultural exchanges to continue unhindered.
- The Government engages in meaningful consultations with Naga civil bodies and community leaders to address our concerns and respect our historical rights.
The Nagas have always sought peace, justice, and the right to exist as one people. We urge your esteemed office to take up this matter with the highest authorities and ensure that our identity and survival as a people are not threatened by political decisions made without our consent.’
‘We look forward to your support and immediate intervention on this pressing issue” stated the memorandum jointly signed by Chairman of TNZL, AS. Nathan and Joint Secretary, AS. Khathing. Around 2000 people from border villages participated in the rally.
Part-II | Behind the Veil: Kuki’s Controversial Identity and the Conflict That Persist (P-II)
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