Kamjong rallies against suspending FMR
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, February 21 2025: A mammoth rally was held today at Kamjong district headquarters, protesting the Indian Government's decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Organised by Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL), the rally began at Kamjong public ground at Tangrei, where thousands of protesters gathered carrying banners and placards.

The rallyists then marched through the town, raising slogans and voicing their opposition to the Government's decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, which they believe will disrupt their traditional ties with Naga communities living across the border in Myanmar.

Kamjong rallies against suspending FMR

The rally eventually converged at a community hall, where a public meeting was held.

Echoing their demands and sentiments, the rallyists shouted slogans such as "We oppose border fencing," "Restore FMR", "GoI stop forceful division" and "Yes to peace No to dispute" .

Later, a memorandum was submitted to Governor Ajay Bhalla via Deputy Commissioner Raang Peter demanding immediate halt of border fencing and reinstatement of FMR.

A minute of silence was also observed to pay respect to Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) leaders Themaso Tallanao and Masothing 'who lost their lives fighting for the rights of Nagas.

Addressing the gathering, chairman of TNZL Nathan Awungshi emphasised the historical and cultural significance of the Naga people's struggle.

He asserted that the division of their land between India and Myanmar was an artificial imposition, disregarding the reality of their shared history, culture, and ancestry.

Saying that Nagas spanning across the Indo-Myanmar border share deep social, and economic ties, he added that Nagas have always coexisted as a single community through cross-border interactions despite being politically divided.

He emphatically stated that the abolition of the FMR and the ongoing border fencing project pose an existential threat to the Naga community, imperiling their cultural heritage, social fabric, and economic livelihood.

This assault on their traditional way of life constitutes a direct attack on their identity, he said and added that the repercussions of scrapping the FMR and border fencing project will have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the Naga people.

TNL president Sword Vashum said that the Tangkhul community opposes the border fencing and the scrapping of the FMR.

He emphasized that these measures are strongly opposed by the Tangkhul community, and they will fight tirelessly to protect their rights until justice is served.

The TNL president further said that Tangkhul people will never accept border fencing and scrapping of FMR.Kamjong district shares a 104-kilometer international border with Myanmar, stretching from Border Pillar No 90 to Border Pillar No 124, and encompassing the areas from Namlee Village to Kachounphung.

Delegates from 63 villages from Tangkhul eastern region along with the leaders TNL, TKS, TSL , TNZL, TMNL and others took part in the protest rally.