Serve 20-day ultimatum to GoI
Several Naga civil society organisations in Manipur have submitted a joint memorandum demanding the immediate halt of border fencing along the India-Myanmar border and the restoration of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
The memorandum, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, was submitted through Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
The United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women’s Union (NWU), and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights – South (NPMHR-S) were represented in the meeting with the governor on Tuesday. According to an official Raj Bhavan statement, the organisations expressed concern over developments impacting the hill areas, particularly the abrogation of the FMR and the rapid fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border. The governor acknowledged their grievances and assured that the matter would be looked into.
Serving a 20-day ultimatum, the organisations urged the Government of India to revoke the FMR abrogation and stop all fencing and demarcation work. The revised border guidelines issued in December 2024 reduced cross-border movement to 10 km and introduced a strict “border pass” system. Previously, the FMR allowed members of hill tribes residing within 16 km on either side of the border to cross over for two weeks with a one-year-valid pass.
The groups condemned what they described as an “imposed and unilateral” decision made without consulting affected communities. Citing violations of Articles 8, 26, and 36 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), they demanded time-bound dialogue with stakeholders and warned of intensified protests across Naga hill districts if their demands remain unmet.
(With inputs from agencies)
