A central team of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), led by MLA and Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, arrived at Shilloi Lake on Sunday evening after a difficult journey towards the Avakhung International Trade Centre (ITC). Minor mudslides triggered by recent rains were encountered along the way, but the team was able to clear the route without major disruption.
The visit comes ahead of a protest rally scheduled for April 29 at Avakhung ITC, jointly organised by the Phokhungri Area Public Organisation (PAPO) and the NPF. The rally is being held to oppose the Centre’s proposal to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and erect border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Preparations for the rally were underway by Sunday evening, with community leaders and public representatives expected to converge at the protest site. Several speakers are slated to address the gathering, articulating concerns over the impact of new border regulations on indigenous communities living along the frontier.
The rally’s keynote address will be delivered by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, who is expected to call for the protection of traditional land rights and warn against policies perceived as undermining cross-border ethnic ties and livelihoods.