UNC reiterates stance on district rollback, fencing, FMR
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, February 15 2025: United Naga Council (UNC) has reaffirmed its strong opposition to the creation of new districts, border fencing project, and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) in Naga-inhabited areas.

The stance was reiterated by the UNC president Ng Lorho during the Lui-Ngai-Ni festival at Senapati district headquarters.

Denouncing the Manipur High Court's decision, the UNC president asserted the demand to roll back the seven districts created on December 18, 2016, which, he claimed, were established without the informed consent of the Nagas, violating four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and assurances given by the Government of India.

He pointed out that tripartite talks between the Government of India, Government of Manipur, and the UNC had taken place 10 times but were stalled for 66 months.

Following UNC's persistent efforts, the dialogue resumed on October 11, 2024, in New Delhi, with advisor (northeast) AK Mishra representing the Government of India, he informed, adding that the third round of talks, held on January 30, 2025, agreed that a proposal for the rollback of the districts would be presented in the next meeting, scheduled for April 2025 .

The UNC president described the upcoming talks as 'crucial', stating that the consequences would be determined by the outcome.

"Despite internal differences among the Na-gas, their identity as one people and one nation remains undivided," he maintained, adding that Nagas cannot be separated by artificial districts, state boundaries, or international borders.

Regarding the border fencing issue, the UNC president reiterated their opposition to the construction of the border wall through Naga-inhabited areas.

According to Lorho, the UNC - after conducting physical inspections alongside Village authorities - had previously issued a press statement on January 16, 2025, rejecting the India-Myanmar bilateral agreement that demarcated Naga areas with artificial borders.

Pointing out that the fencing project ignores traditional boundaries, he contended that it was imposed without the consent of Naga villagers.

Following this, the UNC directed the Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) and the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) to take stringent steps against the construction.

In response, the CNPO organised a mass rally and total shutdown in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts on February 12, 2025, The UNC president stated that the decision to scrap the FMR and enforce border fencing in Naga areas was not just a policy shift but a direct assault on the rights and dignity of the Nagas.

He accused the Government of India of using national security as a pretext to further divide and weaken the Naga people.

He also warned that systemic oppression through artificial borders, a practice rooted in colonial history, is being reinforced by the Government of India and urged New Delhi to view the Indo-Naga political issue not as a security threat but as an opportunity for lasting peace in the region.

Touching upon the Indo-Naga political issue, the UNC president exuded hope that the long-awaited settlement, based on the Framework Agreement, would soon be achieved.

Calling the present juncture as critical', he cautioned the Nagas to remain vigilant and not fall for piecemeal solutions aimed at further fragmenting their people.

He urged them to resist any ploy designed to drag them into conflict, while calling for unity, love, cooperation, and mutual understanding among the Nagas.

"These are our greatest strengths in the pursuit of our political aspirations," he reiterated.

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