Repeating its strong opposition to the India-Myanmar border fencing, the United Naga Council (UNC) directed its units to ‘take stringent steps’ to stop the project in their areas. The UNC issued a directive on January 27, 2025, asking the Naga population, those under the jurisdiction of the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO), to abide by the directive and stop any activities related to the fencing project.
According to the media reports, preceding the recent directive, a resolution was passed during the UNC Presidential Council meeting on 7th November last year opposing the proposed fencing project on the Indo-Myanmar border. The UNC President Ng. Lorho termed the Indo-Myanmar border fencing project as a ‘sinister design’ by the government of India to alienate the Naga people from their ancestral lands by imposing artificial boundaries.
The UNC has instructed its subordinate bodies and local units in the affected areas to take strong steps to stop the fencing project in their respective jurisdictions. The council also issued a warning to individuals and organisations against cooperating with the agencies in fencing saying that non-compliance would attract serious consequences as per the council resolution. Urging the Naga community in Manipur to remain vigilant, the council described the fencing project as an encroachment on ‘Naga sovereignty’ and identity. The council further urged the Naga people to be prepared for ‘any eventualities’ in their fight to protect their land and heritage.
The Indo-Mynamar border fencing project also faces strong opposition from the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), a student body in Mirzoram. The MZP sent a letter to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah through Governor VK Singh, requesting the Centre to reconsider its decision to set up a fence along the Indo-Myanmar border and alter the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the border.
The MZP said that the FMR had played a pivotal role in preserving and fostering the Mizo way of life and the cultural ties between the ethnic Mizos of the two countries by facilitating cross-border contact, economic activities, sharing of resources and mutual participation in cultural, religious and community events.
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