he Konyak Union (Myanmar) has criticized the Indian government’s gradual reduction of the Free Movement Regime and its new border policies, stressing that these measures undermine the Konyak people’s longstanding connection to the land. The Union calls for an end to restrictions that disrupt their ability to move freely between Myanmar and India, a right they’ve held for generations.BY PC Bureau
Opposition to the proposed border fencing along the India-Myanmar border is not limited to Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland,. Across the border, too, voices have begun to rise against the proposal, driven by concerns that it will sever the historical ties between the two neighboring countries.
The Konyak Union (Myanmar) has submitted an appeal to Supongmeren S. Jamir, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Nagaland, urging him to take up their concerns with the Government of India. The Union has expressed serious grievances regarding the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), the ongoing border fencing project, and the introduction of ‘Border Pass Documents’ for movement across the Indo-Myanmar border in the Konyak Naga inhabited region.
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The Konyak people, a prominent ethnic group native to both northeastern India and Myanmar, have long been recognized for their distinctive warrior traditions and tattoos. The Konyak tribe is one of the largest Naga groups, with communities residing in both Nagaland (India) and Myanmar, particularly along the border.
Konyak Union (Myanmar) appeals to MP Supongmeren Jamir to represent concerns of Naga people on Indo-Myanmar border https://t.co/EvkfsSSQbM #India #Myanmar #border #Naga @s_supongmeren
— Mokokchung Times (@Mkg_Times) January 28, 2025
The Konyak Union (Myanmar) serves as a representative body for the Konyak community, working to protect their rights and address social, political, and cultural issues. The Union also plays a significant role in advocating for the Konyak community’s interests within Myanmar, particularly in matters concerning ethnic rights, governance, and cross-border issues.
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In a memorandum dated January 27, 2025, submitted to MP Supongmeren S. Jamir, the Konyak Union (Myanmar) raised critical issues faced by the community on the Myanmar side of the Indo-Myanmar border. The memorandum highlighted the restrictions on movement and the detrimental effects these policies are having on the daily lives of the Konyak people. It urged the MP to represent the community’s concerns at the central government level and to push for reconsideration of the border-related policies that impact their ancestral lands and livelihood.
Key points emphasized in the memorandum include:
- Historical and Cultural Presence:
The Konyak Union (Myanmar) reminded the Government of India that the Konyak people have lived in the region for centuries. They have a deep cultural and historical connection to the land, which they inherited from their ancestors. This longstanding presence should be recognized, as the Konyak people have inhabited these lands long before the establishment of formal border agreements. - Gradual Reduction in the Free Movement Regime (FMR):
The Union expressed deep concern over the ongoing reduction in the Free Movement Regime, which was initially set at a 40-kilometer limit in 1968. This was later reduced to 16 kilometers in 2004, and most recently, it was further reduced to just 10 kilometers in January 2025. The Union strongly opposed the proposal to introduce ‘Border Pass Documents’ for people to move within their ancestral territories, which they argued was an unacceptable infringement on their rights. - Impact on Daily Life:
The Konyak people depend on Mon town, located near the border, for essential goods and services. The Union highlighted that the new restrictions would prevent many villagers from easily accessing Mon, creating unnecessary hardships for people who have historically moved freely between their villages and the town for their daily needs. The Union called for the immediate reversal of these movement restrictions. - Frequent Policy Changes:
The Union criticized the frequent changes in the Free Movement Regime, stating that these shifts have caused confusion and suffering for the local population. The changing policies, they argue, create instability and hardship for people who rely on cross-border movement for their livelihoods and cultural practices. - Opposition to the Border Pass Requirement:
The Konyak Union (Myanmar) strongly opposed the introduction of ‘Border Pass Documents,’ which would be required for basic activities like visiting family members or cultivating land on either side of the border. The Union questioned the logic behind requiring time-bound documentation for such fundamental activities, arguing that these restrictions were contrary to the natural right of people to live freely on their own land.
The memorandum was signed by K Akham Honwang, General Secretary, and PM Aman, President, on behalf of the Konyak Union (Myanmar) Advisory Board. The Union’s headquarters is located in Yinchung, within the Naga Self Administrative Zone, Lahe Township.
The Konyak Union (Myanmar) continues to advocate for the rights of the Konyak people, striving to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed by both the Indian and Myanmar governments.
