Chandel, Tengnoupal rallies flay border fencing, ending FMR
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 12 2025: A massive protest rally was staged in Chandel town on Wednesday against construction of border fencing, scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border and to demand expedition of the Indo-Naga peace negotiations.

Similar rallies were also held at Lamringkhuw in Tengnoupal district and Chakpikarong in Chandel district.

The rallies were organised by Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) and affiliated units, Naga Students' Union Chandel and units, and Naga Chiefs' Association Chandel (NCAC).

A total shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm was also imposed in Naga inhabited areas of Chandel and Tengnoupal districts on Wednesday.

Chandel, Tengnoupal rallies flay border fencing, ending FMR

The rally at Chandel district headquarters was flagged off from Maha Union government higher secondary school playground and culminated at the Chandel DC's office complex after passing through Japhou bazar.

People belonging to Naga tribes namely Anal, Aimol, Chothe, Khoibu, Kom, Lamkang, Maring, Monsang, Moyon, Tangkhul and Tarao took part in the rally and later submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister through Chandel DC Laishram Nandakumar.

The memorandum signed by leaders of CNPO, 11 Naga tribes, NSUC and NCAC demanded immediate halt to construction of fencing along Indo-Myanmar border, revival of Free Movement Regime (FMR) and to expedite the Indo-Naga peace negotiation.

According to the memorandum, construction of border fencing in Naga ancestral lands is painful reminder of the historical injustices inflicted upon Naga people.

"Border fencing not only erodes Naga's sovereignty, tears fabric of self-determination, cultural heritage and indigenous ways of life but also threatens existence of the community.

Border fencing also creates barriers to cultural legacy and undermines the rights of the people and traditional livelihoods," it said.

The memorandum also mentioned that FMR should be restored so that inherent autonomy, cultural distinctiveness and indigenous way of life, as guaranteed by Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, could be restored.

The memorandum also urged the Prime Minister to facilitate Indo-Naga peace negotiations so that a peaceful resolution to Naga issue could be brought through inclusive, nuanced and substantive dialogue as mandated by Article 33 of the United Nations Charter.

Meanwhile, normal life in Chandel and Tengnoupal districts were severely affected due to total shutdown called amidst the rallies.