Naga Stuents’ Federation Condemns Decision to Abolish Free Regime Movement

The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) strongly condemns the recent decision of the Indian government to eliminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and suggest the fencing of the India-Myanmar border. This move, deemed regressive and dismissive of Naga rights, is expected to escalate conflicts in the North-East Frontier Region, as per a statement released by NSF on Tuesday.

The proposed fencing of the border, as recommended by Delhi authorities, raises serious concerns about its historical context and its potential impact on the Naga people. The lands and hills between the Chindwin River and the Saramati mountain range, currently on the Burma side, are an integral part of Naga heritage, according to the release.

NSF emphasizes the importance for India to acknowledge the historical truth that these territories belong to the Nagas. The longstanding arbitrary separation line, existing for over 80 years, has been a root cause of conflicts and insurgencies in the North-East Frontier Region, NSF added. The cycle of conflict is likely to persist until a just and equitable resolution is achieved.

The Nagas, residing on both sides of the Saramati mountain range, have suffered the consequences of arbitrary divisions imposed by external forces. The attempt to divide and fence the Nagas is viewed as an affront to their rights and autonomy. India is urged to recognize that it has no unilateral right to decide the fate of the Naga people through fencing.

The recent decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is deeply troubling, according to NSF. The FMR has played a crucial role in facilitating interactions between communities near the India-Myanmar border. Abolishing the FMR is expected to restrict cultural and social exchanges, adding tension to an already delicate situation, as per the release.

The 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border traversing through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh is a complex landscape with diverse communities and histories. NSF urges the Indian government to reconsider its decision and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Naga community to find a just and inclusive resolution that respects historical rights and aspirations. The federation stands united against the proposed unilateral actions by the Indian government, calling for a resolution that acknowledges the historical realities and aspirations of the Naga people.