Speech delivered by NG Lorho, president of the United Naga Council at the mass rally held 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.
I am honored and overwhelmed by the presence of numerous political personalities, dignitaries, and leaders from various organizations, as well as a large crowd of the general public, at this rally against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the construction of a border fence along the Indo-Myanmar border in Naga areas.
There comes a point when patience wears thin, endurance reaches its limit, and silence is no longer an option. People rise up and declare, “Enough is enough.” That moment has arrived today. We are here to voice our disagreement and anger against the policies of the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Myanmar (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 despite numerous rounds of political negotiations between the GOI and the NSCN, the conflict remains unresolved. Furthermore, the bilateral agreement between India and Myanmar, which delineated and demarcated Naga areas by drawing artificial and imaginary borders, was implemented without the informed consent of Naga villagers. The GOI’s proposed border fencing, which disregards the Naga people’s traditional boundary with Myanmar, is therefore unacceptable. If fencing is deemed necessary, why not construct it along 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; it is a direct attack on the rights and dignity of the Nagas. Let it be known that the GOI’s sudden interest in border fencing under the pretext of national security appears to be a calculated move to further fragment and weaken the Naga people. The colonial powers that divided the Nagas with artificial borders are now being mirrored by the GOI, deepening the historical oppression of our people.
We are fighting for our land, our people, and our future. Today is not the time to be deceived by false promises. Today is the time for the Nagas to unite and march forward toward our common goal. Let us set aside our differences and rise above self-interest, tribalism, and factionalism. Irrespective of our political affiliations, whether from Naga political groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), student organizations, women’s organizations, politicians, intellectuals, bureaucrats, or the general public, we must stand together.
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While I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to all of you for your solidarity with the Naga cause, I once again appeal for your full cooperation and support in the initiatives undertaken by the TNL, CNPO, ANSAM, NSF, UNC, and the Naga Hoho. Our stance is loud and clear—we will not allow any further fencing activities in Naga areas. The GOI and GOM have been repeatedly informed and urged to halt the construction of the border fence. Therefore, should any unfortunate incidents arise from this issue, the responsibility will lie solely with the GOI and the GOM.