Kohima: A prominent tribal leader in Nagaland’s Mon district has made a fervent appeal to the central government to abandon its plan to construct a fence along the Indo-Myanmar border and to reconsider the proposed reduction of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) area.
Tonyei Phawang, the 49-year-old Chief of Angh (‘king’) representing 35 villages, predominantly of the Konyak Naga tribe, voiced his deep concerns on Sunday. He emphasized the intricate familial and economic ties that bind the Konyak people living on both sides of the international boundary in the Mon district.
Speaking from Longwa village, Chief Phawang, the tenth in his lineage, highlighted the unique predicament faced by his community. He revealed that his own ancestral home, rebuilt in 2016, now straddles the international border, a consequence of the boundary demarcation following India’s independence. This peculiar situation means that even movement within his own residence necessitates crossing between India and Myanmar.
Chief Phawang elaborated on the daily interdependence of the Konyak communities, stating that villagers from the Myanmar side routinely come to the Indian side to procure essential household items, finding it more convenient to reach Mon town for trade. Furthermore, he pointed out that children from across the border attend schools in the Indian villages, including government-run institutions, due to the lack of comparable educational facilities in Myanmar.
Expressing apprehension over the potential ramifications of border fencing and a reduced FMR, Chief Phawang warned of significant hardship for the Konyak Naga people. He voiced a specific worry that his own family members might require permits simply to move within their own home. He urged the Centre to take into account the realities on the ground and prioritize the welfare of the local population.
Countering the notion of restricting movement, Chief Phawang suggested that instead of reducing the existing 16-km FMR to 10 km, the central government should consider expanding it to facilitate the traditional cross-border interactions of the Konyak Nagas.
Interestingly, Chief Phawang commended the Assam Rifles personnel stationed in Longwa for their support to the villagers, including the provision of free medical services and supplies, while also acknowledging their role in preventing unwanted activities. He asserted that the communities on both sides of the border have maintained peaceful relations and upheld their long-standing connections.
Reiterating his strong opposition, Chief Phawang emphatically stated, “We do not want fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border at any cost,” and urged the Centre to abandon the fencing project and allow the unimpeded continuation of the Free Movement Regime. It is noteworthy that the Nagaland state government has also voiced its opposition to the Centre’s plans for border fencing and FMR reduction.