(Halt Border Fencing, Reinstate FMR, Respect Naga Boundaries, Curb Illegal Immigration Fairly, Resolve District Rollback Issue)
Feb 22, 2025: Urging five charters of demands on pressing issues, the United Naga Council (UNC) has submitted a formal appeal to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
The Council demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing physical fencing along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IBM), citing its adverse impact on Naga ancestral lands, traditional community ties, and biodiversity. They argued that the fencing disrupts age-old relationships among Naga villages and restricts access to ancestral lands on both sides of the border.
Secondly, the UNC called for the reinstatement of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), asserting that its removal has severely affected cross-border trade, healthcare, and education for communities historically living across the boundary. They also demanded an extension of the FMR’s coverage from 16 km to 40 km, restoring the arrangement that existed before the 1950s.
Thirdly, the Council opposed the government’s justification for fencing as a measure to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. They urged authorities to explore alternative mechanisms, such as strict enforcement of citizenship laws, rather than disrupting the lives of indigenous communities.
Fourthly, they insisted that any border demarcation should be based on historical and traditional boundaries to prevent conflict and ensure fair treatment of the Naga people.
Finally, the UNC called for proactive intervention in the ongoing Tripartite Talks involving the Government of Manipur, the Government of India, and the UNC to ensure a logical resolution of the district rollback issue. They expressed hope that the Governor’s leadership would foster peace and stability in Manipur.
