In a strong statement, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has vehemently opposed the Indian government's recent decision to initiate border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, following the scrapping of the longstanding Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement.
The Eastern Flank of the Naga Army criticized the move as a tactic to permanently divide the Naga people, asserting that the FMR had historically respected the unity and brotherhood of the Naga community. They stated, "Scrapping the FMR at the drop of a hat and commencing border fencing construction is simply unacceptable."
The NSCN-IM emphasized that the Naga people were not consulted during the signing of the Indo-Burma treaty in 1952, and they regard the right to move freely across their ancestral land as an inalienable right. They vowed to resist the government's actions, especially as the Indo-Naga peace talks remain ongoing.
In their statement, the group warned that no Naga citizen should support or collaborate with the fencing initiative. Contractors were specifically urged not to bid for any related projects, and wage earners were advised against participating in the construction work.
The NSCN-IM made it clear that any individual defying these guidelines would do so at their own risk, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding the interests and rights of the Naga people.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128