Ukhrul, April 1: A large public rally against the proposed border fencing between India and Myanmar was organized by the Naga People’s Front (NPF) at Longwa village on April 1. The rally, according to a press release from NPF bureau said was led by the Central Team, saw participation from NPF President Apong Pongener, MLA and Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, members of the Central Youth and Women’s Wing, the Angh (traditional chief) of Longwa, council leaders, student leaders, women leaders, and a significant number of local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Achumbemo Kikon strongly opposed the border fencing initiative and reiterated the concerns raised by the Angh of Longwa. He emphasized that Longwa existed long before the independence of both India and Myanmar and questioned the rationale behind dividing a village that shares historical, cultural, and familial ties across the border.
“The youth will stand for the rights of the people of Longwa and will leave no stone unturned in defending what our forefathers and elders have entrusted to us,” Achumbemo Kikon declared, warning that any force attempting to impose the fencing against the will of the people would face strong resistance.
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Achumbemo Kikon, known for advocating Naga rights on various platforms, reaffirmed his opposition to the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the border fencing, calling it a direct threat to the unity and identity of the Naga people. He criticized other political parties for their detached approach, stating that the NPF remains a party that actively engages with the people and stands by them in times of need.
Highlighting the impracticality of the border fence, Mr. Kikon pointed out that the Angh’s residence itself lies across both India and Myanmar, and families, relatives, and even livestock move freely between the two nations. “We are living on our own land, and no one has the right to divide our home,” he asserted. “India is attempting to curb our rights, but we will protect our land at all costs.”
Mr. Kikon reminded the crowd of historical injustices inflicted upon the Naga people, who have been divided across multiple states and countries, including Burma, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland. He called for unity among Nagas to prevent further division. “Nagas are not nomads; we live in settled villages and uphold our traditions, including the Angh system of governance,” he said. “We fought the British to preserve our sovereignty, and we will not submit to any external control.”
The MLA also criticized the Indian government’s policies, including the ‘Act East Policy’ and the ‘Neighbourhood First’ initiative, arguing that the border fencing contradicts these strategies. He reaffirmed the NPF’s firm opposition to the McMahon Line, dismissing it as an ‘imaginary’ demarcation that disregards the reality of the Naga people’s existence.
Quoting India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mr. Kikon recounted how Nagas were once referred to as the “long frontier of India,” belonging neither to India nor Burma. He recalled historical grievances, including an instance when Naga leaders were denied the opportunity to present their concerns before the Indian and Burmese Prime Ministers, Nehru and U Nu, further deepening the division of Naga lands.
Mr. Kikon urged the people of Longwa and all Nagas to take a firm stand against the border fencing. “It is our time to stand up for the rights our forefathers fought for, for the good of future generations,” he said. “If we do not resist today, we will be the ones to suffer in the long run.”
He also referenced Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s recent statements in the state assembly, where he opposed the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime and the construction of the border fence. Mr. Kikon called on the people to unite and fight collectively. “The real fight starts here, in the border villages. We must speak with one voice and fight for our rights together.”
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The rally concluded with a resounding declaration of unity and determination, as the people of Longwa vowed to resist any attempt to divide their land and community.