IT News
Imphal, March 20:
In a strong display of solidarity and defiance, the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), led by its president Angteshang Maring, along with leaders of its federating units and villagers of N. Satang, staged a protest at the India-Myanmar border on Tuesday against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the imposition of border fencing in Naga-inhabited areas.
The mass rally, organized by ANSAM and its federating units, served as a clear message to the governments of India and Manipur that the Naga people would not accept any move that restricts their movement or divides their ancestral land.
The FMR, a long-standing arrangement allowing free movement of people between India and Myanmar in Naga-inhabited border areas, has been in place since the colonial era. However, the Indian government’s recent decision to revoke the FMR and implement border fencing has triggered widespread resentment among the Naga community, who fear further marginalization and isolation.
Addressing the gathering, ANSAM president Angteshang Maring strongly opposed the move, stating, “We will not accept any attempts to restrict our movement or divide our ancestral lands. The FMR is not just a matter of convenience but a matter of our rights and identity as Naga people.”
Protesters carried placards and banners with messages such as “No to Border Fencing,” “Reinstate FMR,” “Respect UNDRIP 2002 Article 36,” “Integration is our legitimate right,” “Stop sinister policy of GOI to further divide Naga homeland,” “Respect Framework Agreement,” and “Stop border fencing in Naga-inhabited areas.”
ANSAM has vowed to continue its agitation until the Indian government reverses its decision on the FMR and border fencing. The student body has also appealed to the governments of India and Manipur to respect the rights and interests of the Naga people.
The rally has sent a strong message that the Naga people will not remain silent spectators to the imposition of border fencing in their homeland along the India-Myanmar border.
