MLA Leishiyo urges MoS Sanjay to resolve border issue
Source: Chronicle News Service

Ukhrul, April 09 2025: Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing has urged Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth to take immediate steps to amicably resolve the ongoing border issues arising out of scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and subsequent border fencing exercise.

In a letter submitted to Seth during his two-day visit to Kamjong district on Wednesday, MLA Leishiyo Keishing urged that border fencing and scrapping of FMR be put on hold until the issue is addressed, emphasising the need to redress public grievances and restore land to the indigenous people of Manipur.

MLA Leishiyo urges MoS Sanjay to resolve border issue

Leishiyo referenced the an nouncement made by the Union Home Minister on February 8, 2024, which stated that the Government of India plans to fence the entire border with Myanmar, stretching approximately 1,643 km across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.

Citing numerous unresolved border disputes in Manipur, he pointed out that an international boundary agreement with Myanmar signed by India on March 10, 1967, without the consent of local communities, imposed an artificially demarcated border that has caused significant loss of land for indigenous people.

The MLA reminded the current government of the need for a paradigm shift away from policies that ignore local populations, arguing that the previous agreements inherited from British colonial rule continue to affect communities adversely.

Many border villages have opposed the 1967 agreement, as it has resulted in substantial land loss to Myanmar.

In his letter, Leishiyo Keishing also highlighted lack of proper road infrastructure in the border region.

He noted that while the Government of India has constructed the "Indo-Myanmar Friendship Road" just 5 km from the disputed border, there are inadequate roads on the Indian side.

He stressed the importance of improving connectivity for the local population and for effective border surveillance.

At the same time, the MLA urged the minister to establish more Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and proposed the development of a model town at K Ashang Khullen to enhance local living conditions.

He pointed out that the border area comprises around 54 small villages, each 5 to 10 km apart, and lacks urban infrastructure, with Kamjong district headquarters being a village of about 800 households.

Leishiyo Keishing highlighted that there are only two ICPs on the Indo-Myanmar border, compared to 24 on the Indo-Bangladesh border, despite the similar lengths of these borders.

He argued that this disparity warrants the establishment of more ICPs to facilitate trade and connectivity.

Extensive research has identified K Ashang Khullen Aze as a viable location for a sustainable model town and ICP, with the district administration having already acquired 200 acres of land for this purpose.

A draft project proposal worth Rs 601.7 crore has been submitted to the government for approval.

The MLA expressed gratitude to Minister Seth for his visit, stating that his presence marked a significant moment as the first Union Minister to engage with the people of this remote border district.

Kamjong district, which covers 2,400 sq km and shares a 120 km international border with Myanmar, is home to 126 villages and a population of 45,616, he mentioned.

The MLA also acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare of the indigenous people of Manipur.