Ukhrul: Sections of the newly erected international border fencing in Chandel district, Manipur were recently cut and pulled down. According to a senior police the unidentified individuals responsible are likely to have come from across the border.
An official stated that the miscreants must have used portable generator and cutting machines to dismantle the border fence before they fled back across the border. The incident came to light on January 15 when a team from the Border Road Task Force (BRTF), engaged in the border construction, arrived at the site.
The team found cutting of at least 47 hollow circular fencing poles while dismantling the fencing. The event, involving the cutting down of approximately 150 meters of fencing near border pillar number 62 at LH Zangnomphai village, is believed to have taken place during the nights of January 14 and 15, 2026.
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This is the second security breach incident at the border area in Chandel district within a span of 30 days. Earlier, a portion of about 150 to 200 metres of the newly erected border fence along the Indo-Myanmar border were found systemically dismantled on December 5, 2025. The incident, which occurred near Border Pillar number 67 in Joldam villge, likely took place on December 2.
Following the January 15 incident, an FIR was registered at Molcham police station for further action. A team from the Chandel district police also visited the site where the border fence had been dismantled and interacted with the local people. The police raised awareness among the residents, noting that the border areas are remote and isolated, which increases their vulnerability.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) launched the border fencing project to curb illegal influx, drug trafficking, weapons smuggling and other cross-border crimes. However, the move has been strongly opposed by sections of the people, including the Nagas and Kukis, as it directly affects their lands and family ties to those living across the border.