Naga Baptist body decries move to end FMR
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, January 18 2024: Expressing concern over the proposed suspension of FMR in the Manipur-Myanmar border, Dimapur- based Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA) has urged the central government to reconsider the move.

In a press statement issued jointly by its president Rev Dr Visor H Zeliang, vice president Rev Dr Vevo Phesao and general secretary Rev Dr H Gideon, FNBA strongly opposed the proposed suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Naga-Myanmar border and appealed to the Union Government to reconsider the suspension of FMR.

"We further appeal to the government of India to respect the rights of the Naga people and understand the severity of basic rights violations by a mere fence to those living in the border regions," it said.

The statement observed that the existing artificial boundary imposed by colonial powers has long caused much ordeal among the Na -gas living in the border areas including separation of communities and families, hardships to economic, cultural, and ethnic ties.

"Now, the proposed move of the centre to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) will create even more insurmountable barriers to social interactions, cultural exchange, community support, as well as affect day-to-day lives and activities," the body said, cautioning that the move would violate the basic human interaction and free movement rights and will further isolate the Naga communities on both sides of the border.

It pointed out that the Nagas, irrespective of the imaginary boundary, had lived in harmony as one people for decades.

"We want to be able to move freely across our traditional territory and live together as one family.

The border that shares with Myanmar is 398 km in Manipur, 520 km in Arunachal Pradesh, most of which are in Naga areas and 215 km In Nagaland.

The attempt to abolish FMR in any way along this border will hurt the sentiments of the Naga communities as a whole and would erode the Naga trust in the government," the statement added.

Comment