Protest Against Border Fencing Plan in Chandel District

A large group of people from the border villages of India staged a massive protest today against the government's proposal to construct border fencing. The rally, which began in Molcham village—located just a stone’s throw from Myanmar—traveled a long distance to culminate near the 17th Assam Rifle camp in Molcham.

The protest was organized by several local groups, including the Kuki Chief Association (KCA) Chandel, the Committee on Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, KSO Chandel, and the Kuki Inpi Chandel.

The rally commenced at the village cemetery, with the official launch led by KCA President Thangzamang. Protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as “We Oppose the Proposed Construction of Border Fencing,” “Border Fencing Isolates Our Families and Communities,” and “Stop Implementation of Border Fencing Projects.” The crowd also chanted “We Oppose Border Fencing Construction” and “Stop Border Fencing Construction,” while a large banner read “Protest Against Construction of Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing.”

A memorandum was also submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, outlining the protesters' objections to the border fencing plan. Thangzamang expressed frustration at the government's stance, stating that despite multiple appeals, the central government is pressing ahead with the project. He emphasized that the community would not accept the construction of the border fencing in the area.

Thangzamang further explained that while discussions had taken place with district officials and other authorities, the survey for land compensation had been carried out without proper consultation with local landowners or village chiefs. He criticized the government for discreetly transferring compensation funds to the Deputy Commissioner’s account, which the local people strongly oppose.

“The government is determined to construct the border fencing at any cost,” Thangzamang said. “However, we will fight this decision with all our might.” He also voiced concerns about the cultural and social impact of the fencing, stating that the people of the area have lived borderless for generations. The construction of the fencing would, in his view, sever their ties with their ethnic relatives across the border, complicating social interactions and potentially damaging longstanding relationships with communities in Myanmar.