Ukhrul: The diminutive hilly Ukhrul in Manipur resonated with vociferous slogans from 10,000 protesters as they marched against the scrapping of Free Movement Regime (FMR) and ongoing fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.Hailing from various parts of the district, alongside several participants from Senapati and faraway Nagaland, thousands traversed the entire stretch of Ukhrul town spanning […]
Ukhrul: The diminutive hilly Ukhrul in Manipur resonated with vociferous slogans from 10,000 protesters as they marched against the scrapping of Free Movement Regime (FMR) and ongoing fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Hailing from various parts of the district, alongside several participants from Senapati and faraway Nagaland, thousands traversed the entire stretch of Ukhrul town spanning approximately six kilometres from two distinct points and congregated at the Tangkhul Long ground.
The demonstrators chanted, “GoI, stop playing divisive politics”, “revoke scrapping of FMR,” and “No fence between families,” whilst marching onwards.
The porosity of the Indo-Myanmar border is due to the existence of the Free Movement Regime, necessitated by the fact that people of the same tribe inhabit both sides of the border. The FMR between India and Myanmar had its genesis in 1950 and when the then Congress government allowed 40 km visa-free entry, which was reduced to 16 km in 2004 and now set scrapped.
Nagaland, Nagas living in Manipur and Mizoram state govt have opposed it. The Kuki-Zo organisations have also strongly opposed the move to scrap the FMR claiming that the move will sever ethnic ties. They all have also opposed fencing the border. There are recommendations that villages falling under the 16km belt of FMR be issued an identity card which makes identification and checking easier.
At the subsequent gathering at the TNL ground, Prof Dr Rosemary Dzuvizu gave an impassioned address.
“The sudden scrapping of FMR is not about national security or controlling illegal immigration as Delhi claims. It is a deliberate act to suffocate the people, and cut them off from their own kin, and to assert absolute control over every aspect of life,” she articulated, further stating that it is a blatant move to fortify India’s military presence and to ensure that Nagas remain prisoners in their own homeland.
Whilst asserting that fences do not bring security but ‘deeper occupation’, she implored the crowd to reject these measures with absolute clarity. “They are the tools of an occupying force seeking to normalise its rule over our ancestral lands.”
Conversely, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) secretary general, Neingulo Krome said the govt has rekindled the spirit of patriotism at a time when Nagas themselves are fragmenting.
“The fire of patriotism will be rekindled among the divided Naga family because of the scrapping of FMR and border fencing,” Krome stated and expressed his contentment to be at a place (Ukhrul) where human activities are occurring.
He additionally remarked that Indians are good people, but their citizens suffer due to their leaders’ poor policies.
President, United Naga Council, Ng Lorho emphasised that border fencing is not merely a policy, but a direct assault on the Nagas.
“Our stance is loud and clear. We will not permit the border fencing to proceed at any cost. If the GoI proceeds and if anything transpires, the GoI and govt of Manipur will be held accountable,” UNC president cautioned.
