KCA-T, ANSAM opposes proposal to fence India-Myanmar border

KCA-T stated that any efforts to persist with the project will instigate public unrest

The Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Tengnoupal (KCA-T) and members of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) have strongly opposed the proposal to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar.

KCA-T has conveyed dismay over the alleged disregard for its appeal against the border fencing.

“In the face of vehement public opposition, the implementation of the border fencing has not only raised significant apprehensions but has also elicited deep concern within the Kuki community. This brazen action signifies a stark betrayal of democratic values, as it silences the collective voice of the people, undermining the very essence of democratic principles,” the association said in a statement.

KCA-T also outlined the reasons for opposing the project and said that it will be steadfast in its opposition to the construction of border fencing, which threatens the cultural and traditional rights of the Kukis residing on both sides of the border.

While calling for a reconsideration of the move to fence the border, the association further stated that any efforts to persist with the project will instigate public unrest.

“Any arbitrary and coercive efforts to persist with the project will instigate public unrest, posing a significant threat to regional tranquillity and stability. The KCA-T fervently calls for a reconsideration of these actions to preserve the peace and harmony in the region,” it added.

Meanwhile, a team of ANSAM led by its president M Luikang Luckson on Thursday met Governor Anusuiya Uikey and submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister through the Governor demanding a reversal of the decision to scrap the FMR and re-establish it in Naga areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.

They suggested that rather than border fencing and scrapping of FMR, strict enforcement of the ILP and NRC, as well as the creation of a Population Commission, would have positive outcomes in curbing the threat of illegal immigration and insurgency.

Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the Centre has decided that the India-Myanmar border will be protected by barbed fencing like the India-Bangladesh border.

He said that the government would also consider scrapping a six-year-old free movement agreement, allowing border residents from India and Myanmar to travel 16km into each other’s territory without a visa.

It may be mentioned here that Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram share a 1,643-km border with Myanmar.

Also Read: Mizoram: Huge consignment of exotic animal, birds recovered, 2 arrested

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