While the state pledged dialogue, decisions on the Indo-Myanmar border remain the Centre’s prerogative, casting doubt on such assurances.
BY PC Bureau
September 10, 2025 — The United Naga Council (UNC) is likely to suspend its ongoing trade embargo after the Manipur administration assured that no fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar border would proceed without prior consultations.
In a letter signed by Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, the government conveyed that the Centre had taken note of concerns raised by the UNC and other stakeholders on the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing. “The Central government has been holding and will continue to hold dialogue with the UNC and other stakeholders for prior consultations before fencing works are taken up. The next tripartite meeting with the UNC will be held on a mutually convenient date and venue. In view of the above, it is requested that any form of agitation in this regard may be withdrawn in the larger public interest,” the letter stated.
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Significantly, the state administration has no authority to decide on FMR or fencing matters, which fall squarely under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs — raising questions about the sanctity of such assurances.
Nevertheless, the UNC appeared inclined to call off its agitation, with sources indicating that it did not wish to escalate confrontation just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Manipur. The UNC has convened a presidential council meeting of tribe leaders on the forenoon of September 11 to deliberate on the government’s proposal.
During their last talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi on August 26, the UNC was told categorically that its demands on FMR and fencing would not be conceded. Officials suggest that the present overture reflects more of a tactical move to ensure an amiable atmosphere ahead of Modi’s visit than any genuine shift in the Centre’s stance. Few expect substantive concessions beyond minor tweaks to the FMR once the Prime Minister departs.
The UNC embargo, imposed from midnight of September 8 after the Delhi talks collapsed, has severely disrupted trade across Naga-inhabited areas and left over 150 trucks stranded at the border.
