Naga Council Appeals to Manipur Governor: Restore FMR and Stop Border Fencing with Myanmar
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC), a leading Naga organization, has called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to reinstate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border and to halt the ongoing construction of border fencing. A UNC delegation, headed by President NG Lorho and General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, met with the Governor at Raj Bhavan in Imphal to present a memorandum detailing their grievances.
The memorandum emphasizes the urgent need to restore the FMR, which previously allowed border tribal communities to travel up to 16 kilometers on either side of the border without a visa for up to 72 hours, provided they held valid permits. This arrangement was discontinued in February 2024, significantly affecting the socio-economic and cultural ties among communities across the border. The UNC argues that the termination of the FMR and the construction of the border fence have disrupted familial, spiritual, and economic links, which are vital to their way of life.
In addition to these concerns, the UNC is also advocating for a reconsideration of newly created districts in Manipur that they allege infringe upon the rights and demographics of the Naga community. They are calling for a rollback of these administrative changes, as they believe they could exacerbate existing tensions in the region.
Furthermore, the UNC has raised significant environmental concerns regarding the border fencing project, suggesting that it contravenes international conventions pertaining to migratory species and could disrupt crucial ecological corridors. Currently, about 10 kilometers of the 398-kilometer Manipur-Myanmar border fencing has been completed, a development that the UNC believes poses a threat to both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
The delegation’s engagement with the Governor underscores the rising tension in Manipur, where the Naga community feels increasingly marginalized. The UNC’s insistence on reinstating the FMR and halting border fencing highlights the urgent need for dialogue between all stakeholders to address these pressing issues.
By directly addressing these challenges, the UNC aims to foster a more inclusive political landscape in Manipur, focusing on the preservation of cultural identities while advocating for sustainable development that respects both human rights and environmental integrity. As discussions continue, the impact of these developments on the region’s stability and community relations remains to be seen.
This situation calls for ongoing attention, not only from local authorities but also from national and international bodies that are committed to upholding human rights and environmental standards. The resolution of these issues is crucial for ensuring peace and cooperation between communities across the Indo-Myanmar border.
Categories: Manipur, Northeast News, Top News
Tags: Free Movement Regime, United Naga Council, Indo-Myanmar Border, Environmental Concerns, Community Relations.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/naga-council-urges-manipur-governor-to-reinstate-fmr-halt-border-fencing-with-myanmar.html
Category : Manipur,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2025-05-03 00:19:00
