UCM raises concern over Indo-Myanmar border fencing, inaugurates new unit office

The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has raised serious concern over the ongoing Indo-Myanmar border fencing, alleging that it is encroaching into Manipur’s territory. Speaking at the inauguration of the UCM Lamlai Unit office at Lamlai Keithel, UCM President YK Dhiren called upon the people not to remain silent at this critical juncture.
During his address, YK Dhiren stated that the fencing process, being carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), lacks transparency and has led to the loss of land belonging to Manipur. He alleged that under pressure from local residents of border villages, the fencing work is being pushed forward in a manner that disregards ground realities and historical boundaries.
“This is not just about land. It is an attack on our rights and the very idea of Manipur,” said Dhiren. He stated that the UCM, in collaboration with officials from the Surveyor General of India, the Manipur state government, and BRO/BRTF, have conducted field survey to verify the exact coordinates and extent of the affected areas time and again. UCM also plans to organise a public observation tour to bring clarity to the situation on the ground.
Dhiren referred to Manipur’s merger with India in 1949, expressing disappointment that the rights and territorial integrity of the state are being compromised. He cautioned that attempts to address border issues unilaterally, without taking into account historical and local perspectives, would be seen as a betrayal of the people’s trust.
Criticising the central government’s justification of the fencing in the name of curbing illegal migration and cross-border terrorism, the UCM President stated that such actions are inadvertently targeting local populations. He also warned of a looming crisis, which he said has been intensifying since 2023 due to the border issue.
The newly inaugurated UCM Lamlai Unit office will function as a local coordination centre to mobilise public opinion, strengthen community ties, and facilitate grassroots engagement on key socio-political issues, including the border fencing.
The inaugural function was attended by key UCM leaders including President YK Dhiren, Lamlai Unit Chairman Haobam Sitaljit, and Secretary General Nahakpam Shanta, who served as presidium members. Secretary (Organisation) Dipanjit Ningthoujam and Secretary (Finance) S. Brojen were also present during the ceremony.