In an exclusive interview with Mokokchung Times, HA Hongnao Konyak, the Vice President of Konyak Union, emphasized the strong bonds shared by the Konyak Nagas on either side of the India-Myanmar border. With the central focus on the government’s announcement to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and fence the Indo-Myanmar border in the Konyak Naga area, Konyak articulated his deep concerns and staunch opposition to the move.
“Blood cannot be separated,” asserted Konyak, highlighting the profound connection between the Konyak Nagas despite geographical and political boundaries. He expressed dismay at the Government of India’s move to remove FMR in the Konyak Naga area, declaring, “We speak the same language, we share the same culture, we celebrate the same festival, and we practice the same tradition and everything. So, the blood can never be separated. I am personally against the GoI’s move to remove FMR, particularly in the Konyak area. We will revolt against the physical activity of setting up of the fence in the Konyak area,” stated Hongnao Konyak.
Recalling the historical unity of the Konyak Nagas in Nagaland and in Myanmar, Konyak debunked the notion of separation, stating, “From the beginning, there were no physical restrictions to cross over from Myanmar to here and vice-versa. We have been physically associated from time immemorial, particularly the Konyaks in two ranges – Thera and Ganglei – or the exact point being one in Longwa and another in Chenmoho village.”
Discussing the intricacies of the close ties, Konyak pointed out, “We have brothers and sisters from the same family living across the border. Longwa even has dual citizenship. The church is very much in the middle of the border. How will the people living across the border attend the church if there is ever a wall?”
Expressing disappointment over potential disruptions to familial and social bonds, he questioned the feasibility of obtaining visas to visit family across the border, stating, “Marriages are taking place across the border. My aunts and uncles live there. So, how can we take a Visa and go to see our family over there in our neighborhood? That is seriously disappointing.”
Reflecting on past instances where the Nagas successfully resisted the construction of a fence in Noklak area, Konyak warned that the Konyaks would not remain idle if the Government of India persists with similar actions. “We will have to obviously react,” he affirmed.
Addressing the state government’s stance on FMR removal, Konyak said, “Just because the state Chief Minister has stated that the state government is against the removal of FMR, Deputy CM Patton has also mentioned that the state government will have a meeting; we are yet to hold discussions, but we have been following the issue closely,” he said.
“We have also read that Advisor Imkong Imchen has supported the center’s move. Perhaps, his views are because Aos are not bordering the land with Myanmar. However, it only shows how limited his knowledge is about the people over there. I personally found some of his statements to be quite horrific.”
Characterizing the policy as majoritarian and suggesting Manipur’s incidents might be the main cause, Konyak concluded, “They want to do something in Manipur, and the same yardstick is being applied to us, but the same yardstick should not be applied in our land. Historically, ours is different. Virtual demarcation can be there, but the physical fence should not come out.”