NAMPONG: In response to a protest statement issued by the United Tangshang Naga Council (UTNC) regarding the India–Myanmar border fencing, a meeting was held today at the India–Myanmar border market between the Indian Army’s Battalion Commander stationed in Nampong, the Ground Border Gate Column Commander (Assam Rifles), the Nampong Police Station Chief, and representatives of the United Tangshang Naga Council.
During the meeting, the Battalion Commander stated that they were aware of UTNC’s protest. He explained that the purpose of inviting the UTNC leadership was to clarify the Indian government’s position on the matter.
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He said the border fencing project is being undertaken based on an agreement between the Governments of India and Myanmar. It was further conveyed that trade gates will be opened to facilitate formal cross-border trade between the two countries. While security remains a priority, the fencing is intended to curb drug trafficking, illegal trade, and activities that may disrupt legitimate commerce. He emphasized that the fencing is not aimed at controlling, restricting, or dominating the Naga people.
He added that at jungle paths currently used by Tangshang Naga families, gates will be established at intervals of 800 meters, through which the community will be allowed to cross freely.
The Commander also made it clear that the Indian government will not halt the fencing work and that implementation will continue as it is part of government policy.
UTNC Chairman stated that while they do not oppose the Indian government’s policy and welcome cross-border trade initiatives, the current fencing alignment cuts through ancestral homelands where the Naga people have lived since time immemorial, making such fencing unnecessary and unacceptable.
He noted that although national borders exist, there have never been issues of cross-border migration in the Naga region, where families and relatives move freely. He said the fencing project will severely impact the existence and continuity of the indigenous Naga people.
Regarding the proposal to open gates every 800 meters along the jungle paths, he expressed skepticism, calling it an uncertain and unreliable commitment.
He asserted that using “security” as a pretext to ignore the will of the people is not a solution, and reiterated UTNC’s demand for the complete cancellation of the fencing, which he said would divide the Naga region and its people.
After the meeting, members of the United Tangshang Naga Council and officials from the Nampong military unit visited the ongoing fencing sites for an on-the-ground inspection.
(Press release issued by United Tangshang Naga Council)