Chandel, March 20: The Naga students of Manipur, under the aegis of the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), organized a peace rally on Wednesday at N Satang village in Tengnoupal district to protest against the imposed border fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The “People’s Movement Against Scrapping of FMR and Imposed Border Fencing in Naga Homeland” saw participation from 19 Naga student bodies across Manipur, all of which are federating and subordinate bodies of ANSAM. The students raised their voices in unison, calling for the reinstatement of the FMR and an immediate halt to the construction of the border fencing.
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Chanting slogans such as “Reinstate FMR,” “Respect the Framework Agreement,” and “Stop Imposed Border Fencing,” the student bodies asserted their right to move freely within their own land without the need for ID cards.
Delivering the presidential speech, Th. Angteshang, president of ANSAM, stated that the Indian government has separated Nagas across borders using an arbitrary line. “Today, Naga leaders have gathered here at Satang village, along with neighboring Naga villages, for a peaceful demonstration to express our opposition to the Indian government’s actions—the scrapping of the FMR and the construction of the Indo-Myanmar border fencing,” he said.
He also questioned the necessity of carrying ID or Aadhaar cards to prove one’s identity in their own homeland. “Is it right for Nagas to be required to show ID cards or Aadhaar cards as proof of identity just to enter our own land?” he asked.
He further stated that the demonstration was part of the larger people’s movement against the scrapping of the FMR and the imposed border fencing, sending a strong message to the Government of India to respect the framework agreement signed between the Indian government and the Nagas.
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All the leaders from the 19 Naga student bodies echoed the president’s statement, emphasizing the need for unity among Nagas in opposing the scrapping of the FMR and the “imposed” border fencing. They urged the Naga people to come together and take a stand against the Indian government’s actions.
“This land was given to us Nagas by God, and our forefathers fought to protect it. Now, it is our turn to fight and protect these lands, for no one else will do it for us,” they declared.
The Naga student leaders also demanded that the Government of India respect Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which states:
“Indigenous peoples, particularly those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations, and cooperation, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic, and social purposes, with their own members as well as with other peoples across borders.”
The article further asserts:
“States, in consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, shall take effective measures to facilitate the exercise and ensure the implementation of this right.”
Sr. Andria Anal, speaker of ANSAM, also praised the eastern Maring community and the villagers of Satang for their unwavering efforts in resisting the construction of the border fencing. “Because of your spirit, this fight continues, and victory will be ours,” he said.
The speaker reiterated that these lands belong to the Nagas, emphasizing the need to stand firm and protect them.
The demonstration began at the village and proceeded toward the area where land had been cleared for border fencing construction. While marching, the participants chanted slogans and carried banners and placards reflecting their strong opposition to border fencing and the scrapping of the FMR.