MHA invites UNC for talks on FMR and border fencing in New Delhi

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has invited the United Naga Council (UNC) for a round of talks in New Delhi on August 26 to deliberate on the issues of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the Indo-Myanmar border fencing.
The development comes in the backdrop of the UNC’s growing concern over the Centre’s decision to suspend the FMR and push ahead with border fencing works along the Indo-Myanmar frontier. The UNC has repeatedly asserted that such measures will severely affect the age-old social, cultural, and economic ties shared by Naga communities living on both sides of the international border.
Earlier this month, the UNC had served an ultimatum to the Government of India, demanding that its concerns be addressed. Following the ultimatum, a meeting was convened with the Governor of Manipur, during which UNC leaders reiterated their stand that border fencing and scrapping of the FMR would divide Naga families and villages, disrupting traditional movement, livelihood practices, and community relationships across the border.
The August 26 meeting in New Delhi is expected to bring together representatives of the UNC and senior officials of the MHA for direct dialogue. Sources said the discussion will focus on balancing national security concerns with the rights and sentiments of the borderland communities.