The United Naga Council (UNC) has appealed to the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging him to take immediate action on several issues affecting the Naga community in the state. The appeal was submitted during the Governor’s recent maiden visit to the Senapati District Headquarters.
The UNC’s letter called for an immediate halt to the construction of physical fencing along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB). The Council argued that the fencing threatens Naga ancestral lands, disrupts traditional ties between villages on both sides of the border, and negatively impacts local biodiversity. The UNC stated that the fencing restricts access to ancestral lands, which have long served as a source of livelihood and cultural heritage.
Additionally, the UNC demanded the reinstatement of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which previously allowed people to move freely across the Indo-Myanmar border. The removal of this arrangement, according to the Council, has hurt cross-border trade, healthcare, and education for Naga communities living in both countries. The UNC also called for the FMR’s coverage to be expanded from 16 km to 40 km, as it was before the 1950s.
The UNC expressed opposition to the government’s justification for the fencing as a means to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The Council urged the government to explore alternative solutions, such as enforcing citizenship laws, without negatively affecting the lives of indigenous communities.
Moreover, the UNC emphasized that any future border demarcation should respect the historical and traditional boundaries of the Naga people, ensuring fairness and preventing further conflict. The Council appealed for the government’s consideration of these territorial boundaries to help maintain peace and protect Naga rights.
The UNC further urged Governor Bhalla to take proactive measures in the ongoing Tripartite Talks between the Government of Manipur, the Government of India, and the UNC. The Council stressed the need for a fair and logical resolution to the district rollback issue, calling on the Governor to play a key role in fostering peace and stability in the region.