UNC Appeals Guv On Border Fencing, FMR; Seeks Intervention on Tripartite Talks

Ukhrul, Feb 22: The United Naga Council (UNC) submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in his maiden visit to Senapati district headquarters today. The memorandum calls for an end to the ongoing border fencing construction along the Indo-Myanmar border, revocation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) scrapping, and the Governor’s intervention in the tripartite talks on district creation rollback.

The Manipur Nagas’ apex body UNC highlighted 5 key points to the governor in the memorandum.

1. Historical Injustice to the Naga People- An arbitrary (imaginary) Indo-Myanmar Border (IBM):

The document stated that the Nagas who had been living in their God-given land since time immemorial without any external dominance were rendered grave injustice by the then Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Un Nou by dividing them. Adding to this, the imposed drawing of the border without their consent was the cruelest treatment to them violating all human rights and decency. It cited the case of the Longwa village chief’s house which falls on both sides of the border and calls for refraining from such tyranny in modern society.

Must read | UNC reiterates its stance on District Creation, Border Fencing, FMR at Lui-Ngai-Ni

2. Disruption of Peaceful Co-existence -Scrapping of FMR & Border Fencing:

The Manipur Nagas’ apex body stated that Nagas living across the border have been sharing close ties in terms of social, cultural, religious, land, etc which are integral to their identity, traditions, and way of life. Stating these bonds as predating the colonial demarcation of boundaries, the UNC contended that the abrupt abrogation of FMR and construction of border fencing has adversely impacted them and consequently, faces a series of problems without possible remedy.

“In many areas, there are instances of a family holding land on both sides of the border wherein, resulting in a denial of access to their ancestral lands,” the UNC said adding, “The aforementioned decisions of the government would not only affect the people but have unintended dire consequences on the wildlife and the pristine biodiversity ecosystem”.

“Such unabated menace being created by the policy makers sitting in the cozy room from a distance without having the knowledge of actuality on the ground is highly uncalled for and needs to be reviewed thoroughly and rectified the wrong before doing much harm,” added the UNC.

Also read | Kamjong: Protest Against Border Fencing and Scrapping of FMR

3. Scrapping of FMR & Border Fencing-Illogical Move:

The apex Naga body labeled the scrapping of FMR and the construction of border fencing to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration as a pretext and an illogical decision. It also stated that the decision lacks historical context, and is a short-sighted approach that could lead to significant consequences.

“This decision has upset many communities along the border, particularly the Nagas, who believe that ending the FMR will not serve any purpose, as there is no evidence of arms or drug smuggling, nor an influx of illegal immigrants in Naga areas on either side. While attempting to address the influx of illegal immigrants through the borders, state, and union Governments may find other mechanisms to curb the menace by enacting and enforcing stringent laws like National Registration Citizenship (NRC) instead. This move is nothing less than ‘rubbing salt in the old wounds’ for the Nagas,” the Naga body remarked.

4. Way Forward-Respecting historical and traditional boundaries.

The UNC stated that its position is not anti-India but a call to respect the historical and traditional boundary of Nagas regarding IBM as it will serve a fair dividend to both the Nagas and the Gol in the long run as they embark on the relationship of peaceful co-existence with mutual respect. It also called on the GoI to sincerely engage on the negotiating table, instead of symptomatic treatment, to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga political issues logically based on the Framework Agreement that would serve as a permanent solution to various problems and usher in peace in the north-eastern states of India.

Also read | A Plea for Our Kin Beyond the Borders: Will We Abandon Them to Darkness?

While calling on the government to engage with local communities, the UNC stated that the FMR, which aimed to facilitate local border trade, improve access to education and healthcare for denizens of the border, and strengthen diplomatic ties, should not be scrapped but rather reinstate the same and enhance the coverage of 16 Kms to 40 Kms as it was in place before in the 1950s.

“And, if at all, the Indo-Myanmar Border is to be fenced for the reason best known to the Government of India, proper demarcation of actual border line based on historical and traditional boundary should precede to any physical construction work to avoid an irreparable ramification and unprecedented uprising of the people,” the memorandum read.

5. Tripartite talks on the District Roll Back Issue:

Additionally, the UNC called on the Governor to intervene in the tripartite talks held amongst the Govt of Manipur, Govt. of India, and the UNC regarding the rollback of 7 new districts creation.

Talking about the Manipur conflict, the UNC mentioned that it has given its best effort to bring peace between the conflicting parties but has not been able to do so since it is not the competent authority in the conflict. The UNC assures its moral support to the governor to his effort to restore peace and normalcy in the stated.

Also read | Chandel, Tengnoupal Nagas rally against Border Fencing, FMR Scrapping; Kuki Body Extends Support