The most recent appeal by the Konyak Union (KU) to the Governor of Nagaland brings attention to a critical issue of justice and indigenous rights. The Government of India’s decision, regardless of its stated interests, to construct border fencing along the India-Myanmar boundary and revoke the Free Movement Regime (FMR) threatens to upend the lives of the Konyak Naga people, whose ancestral lands and cultural ties span both nations. The arbitrary boundary does not just affect the state of Nagaland but also divides Naga lands in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. These decisions, made without meaningful consultation, are unjust and demand reconsideration.
The Government of India’s actions in enforcing the border fence and revoking the FMR can be seen as statist, prioritizing central authority and national security over local autonomy and indigenous rights. While the government may argue that these measures are necessary for border control, they disregard the lived realities of the affected communities. The Nagas, like other borderland indigenous groups, have long maintained self-regulated systems that respect cultural ties and economic interdependence. A one-size-fits-all approach that enforces rigid state control at the cost of local traditions and livelihoods is not only unjust but also contradictory to India’s principles of inclusivity and regional cooperation.
The ramifications of fencing and the withdrawal of the FMR are severe. Many Naga villages on the Indian side rely on their agricultural lands in Myanmar for sustenance. Families separated by the border depend on cross-border movement for daily necessities. Erecting a physical barrier will not only disrupt livelihoods but also dismantle a way of life that has existed for generations. The case of Longwa village, which is uniquely bisected by the international boundary, exemplifies the impracticality of such measures.
Justice requires that indigenous voices be heard. The Government of India must engage in meaningful dialogue with the Naga people and acknowledge their historical, cultural, and economic realities. Any security measures must respect traditional boundaries rather than arbitrary colonialist lines. Furthermore, the FMR should be reinstated to safeguard the social fabric of these border communities.
A just and humane approach is imperative. The Nagas deserve policies that recognize their identity, history, and rights – not barriers that divide and disrupt their existence. All Nagas must rise to the occasion, unite, and voice their concerns collectively. This is a moment for solidarity, where all Nagas must stand together to protect their shared heritage, identity, and rightful homeland.