Naga Communities Launch Fierce Non-Cooperation Movement Against Manipur Government Over Border Fencing and FMR

In a powerful display of community solidarity and resistance, the United Naga Council (UNC) and allied Naga civil society organizations have initiated a comprehensive non-cooperation movement against the Manipur state government. This significant protest stems from the deeply contentious plans to fence the India-Myanmar border and the ongoing suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), actions that Naga communities view as a direct threat to their ancestral lands, cultural identity, and traditional way of life.

The movement, which commenced across all Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, reflects a profound sense of betrayal and a perceived disregard for indigenous rights.

Leaders of the UNC have unequivocally stated that the central government's decision to fence the 1,643-kilometer border, and the state government's perceived passive acceptance of it, will effectively bifurcate villages, separate families, and disrupt centuries-old socio-economic ties that transcend the arbitrary international boundary.

Historically, the FMR allowed communities living within 16 km of the border on both sides to cross with minimal documentation, fostering vibrant cross-border trade, cultural exchange, and family visits.

Its suspension, coupled with the imminent fencing, is seen by the Nagas as an economic strangulation and an attempt to sever their intrinsic connection to their kin and lands in Myanmar. Protesters argue that the move, purportedly aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, unfairly targets indigenous populations and fails to address the root causes of these issues.

The UNC has voiced strong objections to the lack of meaningful consultation with affected stakeholders.

They contend that any significant policy decision impacting the ancestral domains and livelihoods of indigenous peoples must involve their consent and participation, a principle they feel has been egregiously violated. The non-cooperation movement targets various government services and projects, aiming to exert pressure on both the state and central authorities to reconsider their stance.

Community leaders have outlined their demands, urging an immediate halt to the border fencing project and the full restoration of the Free Movement Regime.

They also call for a serious and inclusive dialogue with Naga representatives to address their concerns comprehensively, recognizing their unique historical and cultural ties to the land that spans the contested border. The movement underscores the fierce determination of the Naga people to protect their heritage and ensure their voices are heard in decisions that directly impact their future.

As the non-cooperation intensifies, the eyes of the nation turn to Manipur, observing how this critical standoff between state policy and indigenous rights will unfold.

The Naga communities stand united, ready for a prolonged struggle to safeguard their ancestral lands and reclaim their traditional freedoms in the face of what they perceive as an existential threat.