Behiang chiefs oppose border fencing
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte

CCpur, July 19 2024: Village chiefs of Behiang area in Churachandpur district raised strong objection to construction of the border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar boundary while terming the move as violation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which was initiated in 2018 as part of India's Act East Policy to facilitate cross-border movement of people up to 16 km without visa.

Led by chiefs of villages along the Indo- Myanmar border belt, villagers resisted the attempt to construct border fencing in the area on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Zotal-Zolie groups which endorsed the village chiefs' stand against border fencing appealed to the Central government to re-assess their position and take into account appeal made by the chiefs of Behiang region.

It said that enhancement of local border commerce, accessibility of education and healthcare for border villages and reinforcement of diplomatic relations are primary needs of the people living in the border area rather than fencing the border.

Zotal-Zolie groups further said that Behiang region is traditionally inhabited by Zou tribe for generations and has been cooperating with the central security forces responsible for maintaining the border.

It said that the decision to prolong preliminary stages of border fencing in Behiang may result in superfluous complications for which both Central and state governments should be held accountable.

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