ANSAM protests border fencing, FMR scrapping
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 20 2025: Under the banner of All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga students took out a peace rally at N Satang village in Tengnoupal district near border pillar number 82 on Wednesday to protest the "imposed border fencing and scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border".

According to a press release of ANSAM, the "People s Movement Against Scrapping of FMR and Imposed Border Fencing in Naga Homeland" was participated by members and supporters of 19 Naga student bodies from across the state, and all federating and subordinate bodies of ANSAM.

They raised slogans such as Reinstate FMR", "Respect Framework Agreement", and "Stop Imposed Border Fencing", asserting their right to move freely within their own land without the need for ID or Aadhaar cards.

ANSAM protests border fencing, FMR scrapping

Addressing the gathering, ANSAM president Th Angteshang noted that Nagas beyond borders were being separated by an imaginary boundary, stating that the peaceful demonstration held with the participation of neighbouring Naga villages, was to oppose the Government of India's actions of scrapping the FMR and constructing the Indo-Myanmar border fencing.

Questioning if Nagas have to furnish identity cards to enter their own lands, Angteshang reiterated that the protest was a strong message to the Government of India to respect the framework agreement it signed with the Nagas.

Echoing Angteshang's sentiments, leaders of the 19 Naga student bodies, also called for unity among the Nagas to oppose the scrapping of FMR and the imposed border fencing.

They emphasised that the land was given to them by God and protected by their forefathers, and now it was their turn to protect it.

The student leaders also demanded that the Government respect Article 36 of UNDRIP, which affirms the right of indigenous peoples to maintain relations across borders.

Meanwhile, ANSAM speaker Sr Andria Anal hailed the eastern Maring community and Satang villagers for their resilience in opposing the border fencing.

The demonstration began at the village and proceeded to the area where the clearing for the border fencing had been done.

Protesters shouted slogans and carried banners and placards expressing their opposition to the scrapping of FMR and border fencing, the ANSAM release added.