TKS urges PM to stop border fencing
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, June 20 2025: The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) has sought immediate intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the ongoing construction of border fencing along the "artificial" Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) amidst Naga ancestral homeland and appealed for reinstatement of Free Movement Regime (FMR).

TKS made the appeal in a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister through Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner jointly signed by TKS vice-president Omry Ningshen and assistant general secretary Ngakuimi Shaiza.

On behalf of Tangkhul youth and students, TKS called upon the Prime Minister to review the "regressive step" of scrapping the FMR and construction of border fencing by presenting 7 points.

1.The imposition of an arbitrary Indo-Myanmar Border in the middle of their homeland without the informed consent of the locals was a historical injustice to the Naga people.

2.The scrapping of FMR and border fencing has adversely impacted and disrupted their peaceful coexistence with Naga villagers living across the border who share all ties in terms of social, economic, cultural, religion, land etc.

These bonds predate the colonial demarcation of boundaries and are integral to their identity and way of life, said TKS .

3.Disruption of pristine biodiversity as collateral damage of scrapping of FMR and border lencing.

4.Scrapping of FMR and border fencing on the pretext of checking drug menace and illegal immigrants is an illogical move.

5.It contradicts the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Article 36 which states "Indigenous people, in particular those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and co-operation, including for spiritual, cultural, political, economic and social purposes, with their own members as well as other peoples across borders" .

6.As a way forward, FMR should be reinstated and the coverage should be enhanced from 16 km to 40 km .

Addressing the protests staged against the scrapping of FMR and border fencing including the recently concluded two-day picketing of Government offices on June 2 and 3, TKS said that the peoples' movement will continue until the Government of India meets their demands.

The student body also urged the Central leadership to resolve the long standing Indo-Naga political conflict based on the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement.

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