The Kuki Inpi Chandel (KICdl) has strongly opposed any proposal for a territorial exchange or land swap along the India-Myanmar border in Chandel district, particularly the undemarcated stretch between Boundary Pillars 65 and 68.
In a statement issued by its General Secretary Shokhogin Mate, the KICdl expressed concern over reports of discussions between India and Myanmar on resolving the undemarcated portion of the international boundary, following a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement dated August 4, 2026.
The KICdl claimed that the proposed demarcation directly concerns ancestral lands of Kuki communities residing in border villages, particularly those in Khengjoi Sub-Division bordering Myanmar’s Kabaw Valley. It maintained that any decision affecting the area should not be taken without the “free, prior and informed consent” of the indigenous communities living there.
The Kuki body alleged that discussions over the sensitive border issue were being conducted without consultation with apex Kuki civil organisations, village chiefs and residents of Chandel district. It argued that border demarcation should not be treated merely as a technical exercise, as any alteration of the boundary could affect homes, agricultural land, sacred sites and the livelihoods of families living in the border region.
The KICdl specifically rejected what it described as a reported proposal to exchange approximately 1.4 square miles of territory, maintaining that ancestral land should not be treated as a commodity for negotiation between governments.
According to the organisation, the 2.8-km undemarcated stretch has been inhabited by Kuki communities for generations and any alteration of the existing arrangement could, in its assessment, displace families, divide communities and affect their cultural continuity.
The KICdl appealed to the Governments of India and Manipur to end any unilateral exercise with regard to the disputed portion and create an open and participatory consultative mechanism, incorporating KICdl, other Kuki CSOs, village leaders and other parties in Chandel prior to deciding on any matter regarding border demarcation.
The KICdl has further requested the Ministry of External Affairs, as well as other relevant departments, to safeguard the rights, history and feelings of the indigenous border community during the current bilateral negotiations.
The KICdl has stated that any decision taken in relation to the international border would have implications for the lives of the people who live along the border and that they need to be involved in any process that would determine the fate of their land.The organisation said it stood with the people of the border villages and would oppose decisions affecting their land and identity if taken without their participation. It also called upon the Kuki community and other concerned citizens to remain united and vigilant over developments concerning the India-Myanmar boundary in Chandel.