Key meeting on border fencing in line

IMPHAL, Nov 1
Deputy Commissioners of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts in Manipur will co-chair an important meeting on November 7 in Ukhrul to address issues surrounding the Indo Myanmar border fencing project.
The discussion comes after various Naga organizations voiced strong opposition to the project.
Senior police officials such as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Assam Rifles or a representative, as well as the Colonel Commander of the 25 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) are expected to attend the meeting.
Prominent community leaders, including the president of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), and the presidents of affiliated organiza- tions have also been invited.
Village headmen from both districts will participate in the meeting. Representing Ukhrul district will be the headmen from Tusom, Poi, Wahong, and Khamasom. Kamjong district’s delegation will include headmen from Namlee, Wanglee, K Ashang Khullen Aze (KAKA), Kangpat Khullen, Z Choro, Kangpat Khunou, Skipe, Pilong, Ramphoi, Kultuh, Molvailup, Chahong Khunou, Chatric Khunou, Chatric Khullen, C Molen, Kashung, Gampal, Kachouphung K, Kachouphung T, Khayang Phungtha, and Khayang.
Recently, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), supported by the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC), visited border areas to observe the situation first hand. The delegation visited Border Pillar No. 82 near Nongkham Satang village, engaging with village authorities from Nongkham Satang and Choktong to understand their concerns.
These Naga student bodies have reiterated their firm opposition to what they term “forced fencing” of the Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong district, arguing that the fencing is proceeding without consulting the affected Tangkhul villages. On September 20, the Tangkhul Katamnao Long (Tangkhul Southern Students’ Union) and the Zingsho Katamnao Long (Eastern Students’ Union) also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur. The memorandum called for an immediate halt to the fencing process, stating that the current international boundary was drawn arbitrarily and contains errors that need correction.
The Naga community and its leaders are united in their demand for proper consultation and rectification of the boundary before any permanent border fencing proceeds. North East Live