The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) strongly condemns the recent announcement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 20, 2024, regarding the decision to fence the India-Myanmar border, mirroring the approach taken on the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The revelation that the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar is set to be abolished has raised grave concerns among the Naga people, who have historically endured the consequences of external forces imposing arbitrary divisions.
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While appreciating the Government of Nagaland for its seriousness in addressing this matter, the Federation urges the government of the day to proactively engage with the central government to ensure that the Free Movement Regime is not abolished.
The Free Movement Regime serves as a vital bridge fostering connections, relations, and cooperation between the Naga people on both sides of the Saramati mountain range. Its abolition would disrupt the historical ties and cooperation that have existed for generations.
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Further, the Federation cautions against any individuals or political entities taking advantage of this issue solely for political mileage in Delhi. The Naga aspiration for autonomy and respect for our rights should not be compromised for short-term political gains. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and aspirations of the Naga people over political opportunism.
The Naga people have long suffered the consequences of arbitrary divisions imposed by external forces, and any attempt to further divide and fence the Nagas is as an affront to our rights and autonomy. The recent decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime is deeply troubling, especially considering India’s status as a global power and signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 (UNDRIP).
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Whereas, it may be cited that, Article 36 of the UNDRIP explicitly recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples divided by international borders to maintain and develop connections, relations, and cooperation across borders for various purposes. The 1,643-km-long India Myanmar border, traversing through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, is a complex landscape with diverse communities and histories.
The NSF calls upon the Indian government to reconsider its decision and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Naga community. It is imperative to find a solution that not only respects our historical rights but also aligns with the international commitments made by the Indian government to uphold the rights of indigenous peoples.
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The Naga Students Federation will not allow any divisive powers to further segregate the Naga people based on their political whims and imperialistic conveniences by any manmade boundaries or imaginary lines in the Naga homeland. The Naga people cannot be denied the right to maintain and develop connections amongst our ethnic selves that have been integral to our cultural, social, and economic fabric.
In conclusion, the NSF remains committed to advocating for the rights and autonomy of the Naga people. We call for a united effort from the state and central governments to address this issue through dialogue and understanding, respectingthe historical context and the rights of the indigenous Naga community.
(This is a press release of NSF issued on January 25, 2024)
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