Kuki groups reject plans for India-Myanmar border fencing, demand FMR abolition
- In Reports
- 05:31 PM, Oct 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Kuki Inpi and the Kuki Chiefs Association have expressed their opposition to the planned fencing of the India-Myanmar border and the removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). They argue that these actions could violate the cultural, traditional, and historical rights of the indigenous communities.
Earlier this year, the federal government made the decision to repeal the FMR, which permits residents along the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 kilometres inside each other's territory without a visa. Additionally, it agreed to build a fence along the 1,643-kilometer India-Myanmar border, which runs through Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the two Kuki-Zo community apex bodies asserted that travel over the India-Myanmar border is essential to preserving family, cultural, and social links. "The proposed fencing disregards the unique geographical and social conditions of this region, where borders cut across traditional lands and family networks. The imposition of artificial barriers risks fracturing our communities, isolating families, and erasing the continuity of cultural practices vital to our identity," read the statement.
Both entities urged the government to acknowledge the Free Movement Regime's historical significance and its crucial role in protecting tribal people's rights and cultural heritage. "We urge the authorities to reconsider this fencing project and to ensure that any border-related measures are implemented with full consultation and respect for the rights and aspirations of indigenous people," it said.
"Any development proposed or executed against the will and sentiments of the Kuki people will be considered a threat to our culture and identity and will be befittingly responded by the Kuki people," it added. Of the 398 km that Manipur and Myanmar share a border, just 10 km have been fenced, while another 20 km are currently being worked on.
N Biren Singh, the chief minister of Manipur, has long maintained that the state's porous border has caused a large influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, changing the population and allowing illegal poppy gardens to flourish in the hills. Singh also asserted that drug smuggling had increased as a result of the porous border.
The Centre had previously stated that the fencing was intended to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants, paralyse drug and gold smuggling networks, and prevent the misuse of FMR, which insurgent groups use to launch attacks on the Indian side and escape towards Myanmar. Since May last year, ethnic violence between the Meiteis, who live in the Imphal Valley and the Kukis, who live in the nearby hills, has claimed the lives of over 200 persons in Manipur.
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