Border fencing and dangerous Kuki-Zo protests

Dr. Wahengbam Rorrkychand Singh *

Zou CSOs protest border fencing on August 19 2024 :: Pix - TSE

For years, the people of Manipur have been urging the Government to construct a fence along the Indo-Myanmar border. The unfenced and unresolved border has become a safe haven for criminals, druglords, anti-Nationals, and has facilitated a continuous influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar over the last three decades. This growing threat has made the construction of a secure border fence not just a matter of local concern, but a critical issue of National security.

India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border that stretches across the States of Manipur, Mizoram, Naga-land, and Arunachal Pra- desh. Surprisingly, of this extensive border, only 10 km is currently fenced, and that section is in Moreh, Manipur.

The recent protests led by the Zou Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) against the construction of the vital border fence along the Indo-Myanmar border, particularly at Behiang village in Churachandpur district, have escalated tensions and exposed their true intentions.

A report in The Sangai Express titled “Zou CSOs protest border fencing” unravels their underlying sinister plots. These organizations claim to advocate for a “participatory framework,” but their demands mask far more sinister motives.

Is it appropriate for a civil society to issue threats to the Central or State Government, declaring that “the Government will be held entirely accountable for any unfortunate incidents, conflicts, or repercussions that may ensue”? Their opposition to the fence is not just illogical; it presents a direct threat to the stability of Manipur and the broader North Eastern region.

It is worth noting that the ITLF is the organization currently spearheading the ongoing Kuki aggression in Manipur and infamous for spewing poison to advance their agenda under the guise of tribal rights.

Why Behiang ?

Behiang village, located near the Indo-Myanmar border, is a critical point for illegal crossings, especially by the Chin-Kuki-Mizo (Zo) community from Myanmar. The porous border has facilitated a continuous influx of illegal immigrants, who destabilize local demographics and engage in illicit activities, including poppy cultivation.

Many view the protests against the border fencing as an attempt to protect these illegal channels, which have been fueling unrest and conflict in the region.

The protests also target the recent removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), a bilateral agreement between India and Myanmar that previously allowed residents within 16 km of the border to travel freely across the Indo-Myanmar border without a visa.

While the FMR was intended to maintain traditional and social ties between border communities, it became a loophole exploited by illegal immigrants, causing significant social and demographic changes. The Indian Government’s decision to scrap the FMR is seen as a necessary measure to curb illegal infiltration and protect National security.

The opposition to the border fencing and the removal of the FMR is driven by claims that these measures infringe on local rights and disrupt traditional ties.

However, this raises important questions: Whose local rights are being exploited, and what traditional ties are truly disrupted by establishing a secure border ? Should the border remain open for the free flow of migrants from Myanmar, and is it Constitutional for individuals to stealthily settle on someone else's land ?

Underlying these protests is a broader agenda. The ultimate goal appears to be the creation of a separate State, Kukiland, in Manipur, which would be a stepping stone toward their long-cherished dream of establishing a sovereign country called Zalengam.

This envisioned country would involve carving out areas inhabited by the Zo community from North East India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The ongoing protests against the border fencing and the FMR removal seem to be part of this larger, dangerous agenda.

Threat to National security & sovereignty

The illogical nature of these protests is evident as they challenge the Constitutional authority of the Indian Government to secure its borders and protect its citizens.

The demands of these organizations to halt the fencing and reinstate the FMR directly undermine India’s sovereignty and pose a serious threat to the region’s social harmony and demographic balance. Allowing illegal migrants to continue crossing the border without restraint is a direct affront to India’s social harmony, sovereignty, and National security.

Moreover, the ongoing violence in Manipur, which was ignited by the so called Zoumi (Zo community) from Churachandpur, serves as a stark example of the potential consequences of allowing such pseudo social groups to operate unchecked.

The silence of Christian missionaries, liberals, and cultural Marxists — who were vocal supporters of the Kuki-Zou during the ongoing attack on Meitei in Manipur, is particularly troubling. Their failure to condemn these protests against the border fence suggests an endorsement of these illogical demands, further exacerbating tensions in the region.

The Govt must act now

Given the clear threat posed by these organizations, it is perplexing why the Government has not yet taken decisive action to ban them. Their activities have gone beyond peaceful protest; they are actively undermining the rule of law, encouraging illegal migration, and fostering an environment of instability.

The Government must recognize these groups for what they are—pseudo-social organizations that are more interested in advancing their ill-intentioned agendas than in the well-being of the Nation.

It is imperative to question the true intentions behind these protests. Are these organizations genuinely concerned about preserving cultural connections, or are they intentionally creating confusion and chaos to mislead the masses and compromise India’s National security and sovereignty ?

The demand to halt border fencing is not only unreasonable but also dangerous. The Government must stand firm in its decision to continue with the construction of the border fence and take the necessary steps to protect India’s borders and its people.

The interests of a few cannot be allowed to jeopardize the safety and stability of an entire region. Furthermore, the Government should seriously consider banning organizations like the Zou CSOs and ITLF, whose actions have consistently demonstrated a blatant disregard for national security and sove- reignty.

The time for decisive action is now — before these groups can further advance their dangerous and divisive agendas.