Manipur: Tangkhul student unions oppose Indo-Myanmar border fencing

Imphal, 23 October: The Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (Southern Tangkhul Students’ Union) and Zingsho Katamnao Long (Eastern Tangkhul Students’ Union) have voiced strong opposition to the Indo-Myanmar border fencing in Kamjong District, claiming that the affected Tangkhul villages were neither consulted nor granted consent. In a joint representation to the Chief Minister of Manipur, the unions demanded an immediate halt to the fencing process, emphasizing that the Tangkhul villages, as rightful stakeholders of the land, must be consulted before any such project is implemented.

The unions underscored that the permanent fencing along the Kamjong District border should not proceed until the inaccurately drawn international boundary is corrected. Tensions heightened following a letter from central authorities on October 17, 2024, directing the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for completing the entire Indo-Myanmar border stretch in Manipur. The unions objected to certain contents of the letter, particularly the inclusion of villages such as Chassad and Kamjong. They clarified that Chassad is a Kuki village under Sampui, a Tangkhul village, and Kamjong is a district headquarters located far from the border. They argued that associating Chassad with the border fencing issue is irrelevant since BP No.6-124 lies within Kamjong District.

The unions expressed concern that the central government may be pursuing a divisive agenda aimed at creating misunderstandings between communities. They warned of strong opposition and consequences for those involved in preparing the DPR.

In their statement, the unions referred to the 1967 agreement between India and Myanmar, which ceded the Kabaw Valley—”the rice bowl of Manipur”—to Myanmar, calling it a grave injustice. They questioned why the BJP government continues to uphold this decision made during the Congress regime and criticized the push for permanent border fencing. The unions urged the government to rectify this historical wrong and rebuild trust with the people of Manipur.

The Tangkhul Nagas, residing in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, maintain familial, cultural, and economic ties across the Indo-Myanmar border. The unions argued that the current border, seen as an “imaginary line,” separates families and disrupts these connections. While acknowledging the need to address illegal immigration, they stressed that scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and sealing the border is not a viable solution, warning of potential human rights violations.

The unions proposed alternatives, including updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC), establishing a Population Commission, and enforcing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. They also cited India’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which recognizes indigenous communities’ rights to maintain cross-border ties. The unions argued that constructing a permanent fence contradicts this commitment.

They warned that if their appeal is ignored, they would launch democratic protests and a non-cooperation movement.

Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Front, Manipur State Unit is a press release strongly opposed the proposal for construction of Indo-Myanmar fencing in Naga Area without correcting the traditional boundary.

MT