The Naga community in Myanmar is facing a humanitarian crisis, with families struggling to access basic necessities, including essential medicines, amidst the ongoing conflict that began in 2021. Highlighting these challenges, Athong Makury, a researcher partnering with Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) , University of Bern, Switzerland, and a native of Layshi, Myanmar, emphasized, “People are finding it difficult to get access to even basic lifesaving pills.”
Makury shared a tragic example from Layshi town, where a pastor recently lost his life due to the unavailability of medication for high blood pressure. He explained that the conflict has not only worsened living conditions but has also made cross-border movements nearly impossible. “Crossing the border has become so difficult that we cannot even visit our families and relatives. The Assam Rifles stop us at the border,” Makury said.
The India-Myanmar border stretches over 1,643 kilometers, separating Indian states such as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh from Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Kachin State.
For the Nagas and Mizos, this border is more than just a geographical divide—it cuts through deep-rooted family and cultural ties. Makury believes the Government of Nagaland has a significant role to play in addressing these challenges, especially given the special powers granted by Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution.
“Through Article 371(A), the Nagaland Legislative Assembly can open doors to basic needs like medicines and other essential commodities for the Nagas in Myanmar,” Makury suggested. He also observed, “The situation in Myanmar is as serious as the struggles we faced back in the 60s. Unfortunately, our brothers in India… I can feel a cold hand. There are not enough helping hands.”
While acknowledging that many are concerned about the Nagas in Myanmar, Makury stressed that “concerns should lead to political action.” He added that the ongoing conflict, combined with restrictions at the border, exacerbates the isolation of the community.
Makury also discussed the lack of awareness about the Naga community’s deep familial connections across the border, noting that the education system needs to be revisited. “The type of education needs to be revisited so that we can have our own sense of identity,” he said.
He expressed regret that some legislators in Nagaland have supported the Indo-Myanmar border fencing, which he believes further isolates the Naga community. “We cannot visit our family, our relatives… people are chased back from the border by the Assam Rifles. We should understand that the conflict in Myanmar has nothing to do with Nagas shutting down the border gates,” Makury emphasized.