IT News
Imphal, Nov 25:
The Kuki-Zo Council has expressed strong opposition to the central government’s ongoing efforts to construct border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district. In a statement, the Council condemned the initiative, which it views as a violation of international laws and an affront to the rights of indigenous communities residing in the border regions.
The Council noted that despite central government leaders, including officials from the Home Ministry, attributing the root of the prolonged crisis in the area to illegal migrants from Myanmar, the decision to proceed with the border fencing has been met with resistance from tribal bodies across border states such as Nagaland and Mizoram. The initiative, according to the Council, disregards the collective opposition of these indigenous groups and threatens their cultural and socio-economic stability.
The Kuki-Zo Council called on local authorities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to take decisive action to halt the construction. It stressed that such measures undermine the rights and autonomy of indigenous populations and urged for a united stand against what it described as an intrusive and controversial project.
The Council further highlighted the need for solidarity among stakeholders to resist actions that could harm the well-being and heritage of the indigenous communities in the region. Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Kuki-Zo people, the Council pledged to collaborate with like-minded organizations to prevent further progress on the border fencing initiative.
Mentioned may be made that the Chief Minister of Manipur had blamed the ongoing crisis on the influx of illegal immigrants and poppy plantation which is echoed by the BJP National President JP Nanda. The border fencing and the removal of the FMR is a commitment of both the center and state government, which is opposed by Kuki-Zo.
