Ukhrul rallies against scrapping of FMR and border fencing ‘No fencing in Naga areas’

Mungchan Zimik
UKHRUL, Apr 2: Construction of border fencing should be done on the ‘Naga traditional boundary’ and not on the ‘disputed land’, stated Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing during a public meeting held at Ukhrul against scrapping of Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing in the Naga areas and explained that the Nagas have been forced to live as a divided people.
Similar protest was also staged at Longwa village in Nagaland’s Mon district today.
People in tens of thousands today took to the streets of Ukhrul town to show their strong opposition against the scrapping of FMR and the construction of border fencing in Naga areas, especially Ukhrul and Kamjong district.
The rally began from two different points, Dungrei and Kharasom junction and later converged at District Headquarters ground, Wino bazar for a public meeting.
The protesters raised slogans demanding restoration of the FMR and denouncing border fencing.
TNL president Sword Vashum in his address to the gathering stated that the massive public participation proves "we are committed and united in the fight against scrapping FMR and construction of border fencing on our land."
"No external force can divide the Nagas living beyond and across the border as long as we stand firm to live together as one people," Vashum said.
Phungyar AC MLA, Leishiyo Keishing stressed, "The Treaty of Yandaboo between British India and Myanmar in 1826 divided Naga territory and subsequently 2-3 agreement further fragmented the land and lastly the 1967 Rangoon agreement ceded away a large chunk of land to Myanmar, compelling the Nagas to settle in two separate countries (India and Myanmar) without the knowledge and consent of the Naga people."
He informed the crowd that Naga MLAs have approached the Governor to withhold the construction of border fencing.
"Naga traditional boundaries must be respected in fencing the border," he said.
UNC president, Ng Lorho termed Indian Government policies to fence the border and removal of FMR as a "direct attack" on the rights and dignities of the Nagas.
"The Government of India's sudden intention to fence the border is a calculated move to further fragment and weaken the Nagas," Lorho said.
The people's movement initiated by TNL, CNPO, ANSAM, NSF, UNC and Naga Hoho show our collective stand. Forced imposition of border fencing and removal of FMR are not acceptable at any cost, he said.
"We have to bury all our differences and join hands together in pressing our demand to stop the construction of fencing work in the Naga territory," Lorho asserted.
NPHMR convener, N Krome said, "Our journey is tiresome but such anti Naga people act has helped the Naga to reunite again in order to enhance our struggle for self determination to grow greater and progress together."
Co-convener of Global Naga Forum, Dr Rosemary said the abrupt scrapping of FMR is not about National security or controlling illegal immigration but a deliberate act to "suffocate the Naga people, cut off from our own kin."
"It is a colonial relic disguised as a policy decision--a blatant move to fortify India's military presence and to ensure that Nagas remain prisoners in our own homeland," Rosemary said.
MLA Khashim extended his support to the Naga people's movement, and advocated for "our inalienable rights."
Naga Hoho vice president, David Boyes sent a strong message to the Government of India and the State to respect the rights of Nagas.
"Disrespecting the rights of the Nagas will force people to resist, and in the course of safeguarding our inherent rights, any eventuality shall be borne by the Indian Government," David said.
Sources report that there are over 500 Nagas villages in Myanmar, and 8 Nagas districts in India sharing the boundaries.
The Ukhrul rally was attended by Nagas from across Nagaland and Manipur, tribe leaders, and representatives of Naga Hoho, UNC, NPMHR, NMA, NMU, ANSAM and headmen of villages. The rally was organised by TNL and Tangkhul frontal organizations under the aegis of UNC.