BY PC Bureau
Thousands of Nagas from Chandel and Tengnoupal districts staged a massive protest rally today at Chakpikarong and Kapaam, Chandel district headquarters, voicing strong opposition to the construction of border fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border. The protest comes amid growing tensions over the government’s move to erect a fence that many Nagas perceive as an infringement on their ancestral lands and a threat to their cross-border ties. The Free Movement Regime, which has long facilitated unrestricted movement for Naga communities across the Indo-Myanmar border, is seen as a crucial aspect of their cultural and economic survival.
The decision to implement border fencing has been met with widespread outrage, particularly among Naga civil society organizations, who argue that it disregards the historical and geographical realities of Naga settlements. Protesters carried banners and placards with slogans such as “Break the fence, break the chains,” “Naga rights, human rights,” “Fences divide, love unites,” and “Respect our roots, restore our rights.” The demonstration, which saw thousands marching in solidarity, reflected the deep-seated frustration and fear that the fencing project could permanently sever ties between Naga communities living on both sides of the border.
The people of Chandel rose up against border fencing in their areas today. The truth is, the Meitei government has no control over hill areas, a fact New Delhi Babu seems to be unaware of. Some community must stop pinpoint Kuki-Zo. @narendramodi @AmitShah @the_hindu @vijaita pic.twitter.com/ixY1FEnWLu
— The Proud Indian (@DynastyDoungel) February 12, 2025
The rally in Chandel district headquarters began from Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School ground and culminated at the DC office complex, where a memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Chandel Deputy Commissioner L Nandakumar Singh. The memorandum, submitted by the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) and Naga Tribe Hohos of Chandel, condemned the government’s decision, stating that it jeopardizes ongoing Indo-Naga peace negotiations.
“This draconian measure has left us feeling betrayed, vulnerable, and apprehensive for our future, as it undermines the very foundation of our autonomy, territorial rights, and self-determination,” the memorandum read. It also described the fencing as a painful reminder of historical injustices inflicted upon the Naga people.
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Through the memorandum, the CNPO and various Naga leaders of Chandel and Tengnoupal demanded the immediate suspension of the border fencing project and the reinstatement of the FMR.
Simultaneously, in Tengnoupal district, protests commenced from Kapaam, Tuishimi, and Aimol Satu, converging at Lamrinkhuw village in Chandel. A similar memorandum was submitted to Tengnoupal Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar through the ADC. Meanwhile, in Chakpikarong, demonstrators marched from Tampi Village Lamkhai to Chakpikarong Public Ground.
The rally saw participation from key Naga organizations, including United Naga Council (UNC) General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, representatives from Naga Women’s Union (NWU), and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM).
In response to the protest, a total shutdown was observed in Naga-dominated areas of Chandel and Tengnoupal districts. Marketplaces remained closed, and vehicular movement was completely halted, except for emergency services. The large-scale demonstration and shutdown underscored the intensity of opposition to the border fencing and the broader fears about its impact on Naga identity, culture, and territorial integrity.
