The Zou Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have voiced strong opposition to the ongoing India-Myanmar border fencing project, demanding an immediate halt to construction. On a visit to Behiang Village in Churachandpur District, a delegation from the Zou CSOs expressed their concerns, arguing that the project threatens their ancestral lands, which are rich in historical and cultural significance.
During their visit, the delegation met with representatives from the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Assam Rifles, local leaders, and the Behiang village chief. They criticized the project for its lack of transparency and failure to involve the local community in the decision-making process. The CSOs are calling for a suspension of the project until thorough consultations with the Behiang Area Chief Association and other stakeholders are conducted.
The Zou CSOs also questioned the alignment of the fencing project with the “Act East Policy” of 2014, which aims to strengthen cross-border cultural and economic ties. They argued that the current approach contradicts the policy’s goals and could impede local development efforts.
Additionally, the delegation raised concerns about the motivations behind the project, pointing out that similar initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram have faced delays without significant central intervention. They speculated that Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and certain Meitei radical groups might have hidden agendas, potentially aiming to limit the Zou community’s access to benefits under the Act East Policy.
The Zou CSOs have issued an ultimatum to both central and state governments, demanding an immediate stop to the fence construction. They warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to unrest, holding the government responsible for any potential conflicts arising from the continuation of the project.