The Naga Village Chief Federation Manipur (NVCFM) has firmly opposed the proposed fencing along the India-Myanmar border in areas inhabited by the Naga community, aligning with similar objections raised by the governments of Nagaland and Mizoram. This stance was expressed following a unanimous resolution adopted during the Federation’s recent assembly.
Spokesman of NVCFM, Darthot Peter stated on Friday that the assembly condemned the Government of India’s border fencing policy, arguing that it infringes upon the rights of the Naga people, which are protected under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, according to a report from Siasat. The federation has also decided not to cooperate with the government or any agency involved in the fencing initiative.
Furthermore, the NVCFM has called upon all Naga village chiefs to adhere to this directive in the interest and welfare of the Nagas. Naga inhabitants reside in several districts of Manipur, including Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, and Senapati, all of which are located along the border with Myanmar.
In contrast, the Manipur government has persistently urged the Central government to implement fencing along the 398 km border with Myanmar, citing concerns over infiltration and the cross-border movement of militants. Manipur Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya recently visited Moreh, a border town in Tengnoupal district, and called for the expedited completion of the fencing work to address security concerns.
A government official stated that Acharya, who also serves as the Governor of Assam, reviewed the security situation in Tengnoupal, which is home to both tribal and non-tribal communities. Fencing efforts are currently focused on a 20 km section of the mountainous border.
The northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram share a combined 1,643 km of unfenced border with Myanmar, with varying positions on the fencing initiative. While the governments of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh support the project, Nagaland and Mizoram continue to oppose it.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has repeatedly urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to accelerate the border fencing work. Similarly, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung has requested Shah to establish fencing along international borders to prevent infiltration and curb cross-border illegal activities. Natung has also discussed these issues in meetings with Shah in Delhi.