Kuki Inpi Chandel opposes alleged plan to exchange territory along India-Myanmar border
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel, August 08 2026: The Kuki Inpi Chandel (KICd) has strongly opposed any proposal for territorial exchange or land swap along the India-Myanmar border in Chandel district, stating that any decision affecting the border areas must be taken only after consultation with the communities residing there.

In a press release issued on August 6, KICd referred to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement dated August 4 regarding ongoing discussions between India and Myanmar to resolve the undemarcated stretch of the international boundary, particularly the area between boundary pillars 65 and 68 in Chandel district.

The KICd asserted that any decision concerning demarcation or territorial exchange without the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous communities would be unacceptable.

The civil body also expressed concern over the reported discussions being held without consultation with apex Kuki civil bodies, village chiefs and the people of Chandel.

It said border demarcation was not merely a technical exercise as it directly affected homes, farms, sacred sites, livelihoods and the future of thousands of families.

KICd categorically rejected any reported proposal for the exchange of approximately 1.4 square miles of territory, asserting that the land could not be treated as a commodity for bargaining between governments.

It said the undemarcated 2.8-km stretch had been home to the people for generations and warned that any alteration could displace families, divide communities and threaten their cultural survival.

The organisation urged the Government of India and the Manipur Government to immediately halt any unilateral process and establish a transparent and inclusive consultation mechanism involving KICd, other Kuki civil society organisations and all stakeholders in Chandel before finalising any decision on border demarcation.

It also appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs and other concerned authorities to ensure, in line with the Constitution and international norms on indigenous rights, that the rights, history and sentiments of border communities were fully protected during the ongoing bilateral discussions.

KICd said it stood firmly with the people of the border villages and would not remain silent over decisions affecting their land, identity and future.

It also called upon the Kuki people and concerned citizens to remain united and vigilant on the issue.

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