Led by local groups like the Kuki Chief Association and KSO Chandel, the protestors rallied to stop the government’s controversial border fencing project, fearing it would sever long-standing ethnic ties with Myanmar.
BY PC Bureau
Coinciding with the Republic day celebration, amassive protest was held on January 26 in Chandel, 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 began in Molcham village, which is located near the India-Myanmar border, and ended near the 17th Assam Rifle camp in the village. This protest coincided with Republic Day celebrations, with local residents voicing strong opposition to the government’s proposal to construct a border fence.
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.”
Manipur: Border villages in Chandel protest the govt’s Indo-Myanmar border fencing project, citing isolation from relatives, cultural damage & lack of consultation. Kuki groups vow to fight the move, calling it unjust. #NoToBorderFencing @HMOIndia @PMOIndia @UN @UNHumanRights pic.twitter.com/qZQycLxdR8
— Kuki Inpi Chandel (@KukiInpiChandel) January 26, 2025
Molcham is a rural area, surrounded by lush landscapes, and is part of a broader area with a predominantly Kuki population. The proximity to Myanmar plays a key role in the locals’ concerns about the border fencing, as they have long maintained cross-border relationships with ethnic relatives on the Myanmar side. This setting emphasizes the importance of the protest, as it directly impacts the social, cultural, and geographical connections of the local community.
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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 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.
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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.
