Tangkhul Naga Community Protests Border Fencing, Demands Restoration of Free Movement Regime; Submits MoU to PM Modi

Ukhrul, April 2: The Tangkhul Naga Long and Tangkhul Frontal Organisations, under the aegis of the United Naga Council, organized a mass rally at Ukhrul Headquarters on Wednesday against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, cutting through Naga-inhabited areas.

The massive rally attended by around 15,000 people from various backgrounds, including members of the Naga Hoho, NPMHR (Central), Global Naga Forum, ANSAM, Naga Women Union and various organizations from different corners of Manipur voiced strong opposition to the Indian government’s decision. The rally began at two points, Dungrei Junction and Kharasom Junctio, before converging at Ukhrul Headquarters for a public gathering.

Short speeches were delivered by Leishiyo Keishing, MLA of 43-Phungyar AC; Khashim Vashum, MLA of 45-Chingai AC; N.G. Lorho, President of UNC; Neingolu Krome, Secretary General of NPMHR (Central); David Boyes, Vice President of Naga Hoho; and Professor Rosemary Dzuvichu, Co-Convenor of the Global Naga Forum.

Related | Scrapping of FMR, a Final Betrayal of Naga Sovereignty: Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu

UNC President N.G. Lorho in his speech declared that “There comes a point when patience wears thin, endurance reaches its limit, and silence is no longer an option. When that moment arrives, people rise up and proclaim, ‘Enough is enough!’ That moment has come today. We are here to voice our disagreement and anger against the policies of the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Manipur (GOM).

It is a well-known fact that India’s refusal to recognize the demands of the Nagas has led to an armed struggle, and the conflict remains unresolved despite many rounds of political talks between the GOI and the NSCN. Furthermore, the bilateral agreement between India and Myanmar that delimited and demarcated Naga areas was made without the informed consent of Naga villagers. The GOI’s proposed border fencing—cutting through Naga-inhabited areas while ignoring the traditional Naga boundary with Myanmar—is unacceptable. If fencing is necessary, it should follow the original Naga traditional boundary with Myanmar.

Scrapping the Free Movement Regime and enforcing border fencing through Naga-inhabited areas is not just a policy shift but a direct attack on the rights and dignity of the Naga people. The GOI’s sudden interest in border fencing, under the guise of national security, appears to be a calculated move to further fragment and weaken the Naga people. The oppression imposed by colonial powers, which divided the Nagas with artificial borders, is being deepened once again by the GOI.

We are fighting for our land, our people, and our future. This is not the time for us to be deceived. This is the time for the Nagas to unite and move forward together toward our common goal. Let us set aside our differences and rise above self-interest, tribalism, and factionalism—regardless of political affiliations, civil society organizations, student organizations, women’s organizations, politicians, intellectuals, bureaucrats, and the general public.

While I deeply appreciate and am grateful for the solidarity shown today toward the Naga cause, I once again appeal for and seek your full cooperation and support.”

Article | The Hills and Valley Divide: A Way Forward for the Nagas and Meiteis

A memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul District, urging immediate intervention. The memorandum highlighted historical grievances, stating that the arbitrary division of Naga homeland by British colonial rulers had already inflicted deep wounds on the community.

The two key demands placed are as follows:

Restoration of FMR: The Naga community insists that the Free Movement Regime, which allows cross-border movement without strict visa restrictions, must be reinstated. They argue that fencing would further divide Naga families and disrupt traditional ties.

Halt to Border Fencing: The protesters condemned the proposed border fencing, calling it an unjust and inhumane measure that would reduce Nagas to “wild animals in iron enclosures.” They emphasized that the fencing is unrelated to Naga-inhabited areas, where illegal immigration has not been an issue.

The memorandum accused the Indian government of perpetuating colonial-era policies, such as “divide and rule,” by reinforcing physical and emotional segregation among the Naga people. It stated that India, as the world’s largest democracy, should instead work to undo these historical injustices.

The MoU dismissed claims that the FMR is responsible for ethnic conflicts in Manipur’s Imphal Valley, calling it a desperate attempt to shift blame for governance failures. It asserted that illegal immigration occurred elsewhere and should not justify fencing in Naga territories.

Today’s rally, attended by thousands, served as a clear warning that the Naga community will not accept the removal of FMR or the construction of border fencing. The memorandum appealed to PM Modi’s “visionary leadership” to deliver “retributive justice” and uphold the rights of the Naga people.

The memorandum is signed by as all the Tangkhul Naga Long, the apex body of the tribe and all the frontal organisations.

Related | UNC President NG Lorho’s Speech at Mass Rally in Ukhrul Against Border Fencing and Scrapping of FMR

MLA Khashim Vashum addressed the gathering: “My desire for the well-being of our community is genuine. The Nagas are united by our shared heritage, culture, and ancestral land. Our forefathers traditionally lived, traded, and migrated freely across these lands without requiring permission from any authority. I urge the government to reconsider this decision and respect the rights and traditions of the Naga people. We should be allowed to move freely within our ancestral land without restriction or division.”

MLA Leishiyo Keishing in his remark said, “Nagas were never part of these imaginary lines that divide the Nagas living along the Indo-Myanmar border. We have expressed the aspirations of the Naga people and have made our concerns known to the Governor of Manipur, urging a halt to the border fencing. Border fencing should only be undertaken after the boundary between the two nations is corrected, as many Naga villages have been placed on the Myanmar side. We wish to live as one people. No more division among the Nagas by artificial boundaries.”

Must read | Public Rally Held in Longwa to Protest Against Border Fencing Organized by Naga People’s Front

David Boyes, Vice President, Naga Hoho in his speech stated that the Nagas were known as head hunters who by choice settled and peaceful living but pushed to the corner. The Naga Hoho representing the whole Nagas across the globe stated that any imposition against the Nagas will have an unfortunate end.

Neingulo Krome, Secretary general, NPMHR (Central) stated that the Nagas have been gathered to fight against such policies of the Govt to divide the people despite little differences. Being one people, people of the region don’t need any permission to visit each other, he said. However, a new system of Govt has introduced to divide the people. Elders in the past were illiterate and did not have much strength but stood for the rights of the people and their identity.

Find the full speech of GNF, co-convenor, Prof. Dr. Rosemary