Kuki Chiefs Association Condemns Proposed Border Fencing Along Indo-Myanmar Border

The Kuki Chiefs Association Manipur (KCAM) has strongly opposed the proposed border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, warning that it poses a severe threat to the cultural, historical, and traditional rights of indigenous tribal communities, particularly the Kuki-Zo people. These communities, which have long maintained socio-cultural ties across the border, are now facing the risk of a destructive severance of these connections.

According to KCAM, the Kuki-Zo people, whose identity spans both sides of the border, have shared common traditions, languages, and religious practices for centuries. The proposed fencing will not only disrupt this deep-rooted unity but also hinder free movement, further dividing families that have long been separated by national borders. The association emphasizes that such an act would undermine the survival and thriving of the Kuki-Zo communities.

The KCAM also pointed out that the border fencing comes at a time when the Kuki-Zo people are already suffering from violence and displacement due to the ongoing conflict in Manipur. They argue that this fencing initiative would only exacerbate an already fragile situation, shifting attention away from the real issues and providing the Manipur State Government with an opportunity to deflect responsibility for the violence against the Kuki-Zo people.

The association is urging the government to prioritize efforts to address the violence, provide justice to victims, and work toward lasting peace and reconciliation, rather than focusing on border fencing. They argue that such measures only deepen the divide and further marginalize the Kuki-Zo communities, who already face persecution under the current state government and its leadership.

In their statement, the KCAM called on the Government of India to reconsider the initiative and focus on resolving the humanitarian crisis facing the Kuki-Zo people. They urged the international community to take note of the situation and take immediate action to address the root causes of the conflict.

The KCAM's secretary, M Thangboi Haokip, concluded the statement by emphasizing that the Kuki-Zo communities seek peace, protection, and justice, rather than further division and displacement.