Konyak Union (Myanmar) appeals to MP Supongmeren Jamir to represent concerns of Naga people on Indo-Myanmar border

The Konyak Union (Myanmar) has appealed to Supongmeren S Jamir, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Nagaland to the Lok Sabha, to urge the Government of India to address their grievances following the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), border fencing, and the implementation of ‘Border Pass Documents’ for the Indo-Myanmar border in Konyak Naga inhabited area.

In a memorandum submitted to the MP, dated January 27, the apex body of the Konyak Naga villages on the Myanmar side of the border highlighted the grievances of the Konyak community regarding restrictions on movement across the border. In the memorandum, the Konyak Union (Myanmar) requested the MP to represent the concerns of the Naga people at the central government level, urging a reconsideration of the border restrictions and the impact on the local population.

The Konyak Union (Myanmar) emphasized the following key points in their memorandum:

Historical Presence: The memorandum stated that the Konyak Naga people have inhabited the region for centuries. Emphasizing the deep historical and cultural connection the Konyak Nagas share with the land inherited from their forefathers, the Konyak Union (Myanmar) stated that they have inhabited the land since time immemorial, long before the formation of any formal organizations.

Gradual Reduction in Free Movement: The Union expressed concern about the gradual reduction of the Free Movement Regime, which was initially set at 40 kilometers in 1968. This was later reduced to 16 kilometers in 2004, and most recently, on January 17, 2025, further restricted to just 10 kilometers. The Union also expressed dissatisfaction over the proposal to require ‘Border Pass Documents’ for movement within their own ancestral land. This, the Union said, cannot be accepted.

Impact on Daily Life: The Konyak Union (Myanmar) pointed out that their villagers rely on Mon town, located near the border, for their daily needs. The Union said that innocent people should be allowed to move freely in their own land. It feared that restrictions would create hardships, as people would be unable to move freely between their villages and Mon, the nearest town that serves as a lifeline for them.

Frequent Changes in Policies: The Union criticized the frequent changes in the Free Movement Regime, causing unnecessary suffering to the innocent people living in the border areas. These changing policies create confusion and hardship for local residents who depend on cross-border movement for their livelihood.

Opposition to Border Pass Requirement: The Konyak Union (Myanmar) strongly opposed the need for ‘Border Pass Documents’ to visit relatives or cultivate their ancestral lands on either sides of the border. The Union questioned the logic of requiring time-bound documentation for such basic activities, reiterating that these restrictions go against the principle of living freely in their own land.

The memorandum was signed by K Akham Honwang, General Secretary, and PM Aman, President, on behalf of the Konyak Union (Myanmar) Advisory Board.

The Konyak Union (Myanmar) is headquartered in Yinchung, Naga Self Administrative Zone, Lahe Township.

MT