Feb. 13, 2025: The Chandel Naga Peoples’ Organisation (CNPO) is not happy with the central government’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and its coercive construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar Border, wherein Naga inhabitants in large gathered across Chandel district to protest against it on Wednesday, spearheaded by the CNPO along with Naga tribal leaders.
The FMR facilitates cross-border movement up to 16 km without a visa; however, the Ministry of Home Affairs decides to scrap the FMR between India and Myanmar to ensure the internal security of the country and maintain the demographic structure of India’s North Eastern States bordering Myanmar.
During the day’s protest, the representative of CNPO also submitted a memorandum to PM Narendra Modi via DC Chandel expressing deep concern over the impact of border fencing on sovereignty and Indo-Naga peace negotiation, according to information that reached our news desk.
The said rally took off from various points towards Chandel District HQ, including Maha Union Govt Higher Secondary School ground, Kapaam, and Tampi village Lamkhai in Chakpikarong, and converged at strategic locations, echoing vehement calls for justice and preservation of Naga ancestral lands.
Under banners proclaiming “Mass Public Rally Protest Against Coercive Construction of Border Fencing & Scrapping of FMR,” demonstrators held aloft placards demanding “Break the Fence, Break the Chains” and “Respect our Roots, Restore our Rights.”
The atmosphere was charged with slogans advocating for Naga rights and the speedy resolution of the Indo-Naga peace talks.
