The ongoing protests in Chandel district reflect growing resistance from local communities to the proposed Indo-Myanmar border fencing. The Kuki-Zo community, alongside other ethnic organizations, has voiced strong opposition, citing potential disruptions to their cultural and social ties across the border.
BY PC Bureau
The controversy over the proposed Indo-Myanmar border fencing is escalating, with multiple ethnic organizations strongly opposing the project. After the Kuki-Zo community staged a massive protest in Chandel district, near the Indo-Myanmar border, on Republic Day, the United Naga Council has hardened its stance against the fencing project. Additionally, ZORO has planned a huge protest in Mizoram on January 29.
UNC Issues Strong Warning Against Border Fencing
As the Kuki-Zo protest made headlines, the United Naga Council (UNC) issued a strong warning to Naga villages along the border, instructing them to strictly oppose any border fencing activities within their jurisdiction.
ALSO READ: Cultural Ties Over Borders: Naga, Mizo, and Kuki Against Fencing Plans
In a fresh directive, UNC urged all Naga communities, particularly those in Chandel district under the jurisdiction of the Chandel Naga People’s Organization (CNPO), to remain vigilant and prevent any fencing work from taking place. This follows a previous October 29, 2024, directive and Resolution 2 of the UNC Presidential Council Meeting on November 7, 2024.
UNC stated that it views the fencing project as a “nefarious attempt by colonial powers” to divide and alienate the Naga people from their ancestral lands. The council has explicitly warned that any individual, village, or organization cooperating with authorities or aiding the implementation of the border fencing “for personal gains, favors, or under coercion” will face serious repercussions as per its resolutions.
The UNC’s statement emphasized that the border fence does not serve the interest of the indigenous border communities but rather aims to impose artificial divisions between Naga populations living across India and Myanmar. The council also called upon all subordinate units and regional organizations to take “decisive action” and ensure that no fencing activities occur within Naga territories.
ALSO READ: Near Myanmar border, Kuki Outfits Stage Huge Protest Against Government’s Border Fencing Plan
ZORO Announces Statewide Protests in Mizoram
Meanwhile, in Mizoram, the Zo Re-Unification Organization (ZORO) has announced statewide protests on January 29 against the alleged termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the introduction of a new border pass system. Representing Zo/Mizo ethnic communities across India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, ZORO strongly condemned the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) policy change, which now mandates a border pass for residents within 10 kilometers of the Indo-Myanmar border.
ZORO leaders criticized the new system, which limits cross-border travel to seven days and requires proof of residence from local authorities. In a December 24 letter to Mizoram’s Chief Secretary, the MHA outlined plans for regulated entry through 18 designated crossing points, starting with pilot sites in Champhai district.
Adding to their concerns, ZORO also condemned the alleged deportation of 28 refugees from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) who entered Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district on January 5. These individuals, reportedly detained by security forces, were deported back to Bangladesh on January 11 following arrangements made by the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles.
KUKI Â Opposition: On January 26, the Kuki-Zo community staged a protest in Chandel district, near the Indo-Myanmar border, coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. Organized by the Kuki Chief Association (KCA) Chandel, the Committee on Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, KSO Chandel, and the Kuki Inpi Chandel, the rally began in Molcham village and ended near the 17th Assam Rifles camp. Protesters carried placards rejecting the fencing proposal, emphasizing concerns over its impact on cross-border communities.
Border Fencing Becomes a Major Flashpoint
As opposition to the border fencing project intensifies, organizations representing the Kuki-Zo, Naga, and Mizo communities remain united in their resistance. They argue that the project disrupts historical ties, isolates border communities, and threatens their socio-cultural and economic connections.
With large-scale protests and warnings from influential ethnic councils, the Indo-Myanmar border issue is set to remain a major flashpoint in the coming months.
