Manipur: Naga students’ body demands FMR reinstatement, opposes border fencing

All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) reiterated not to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and stop border fencing construction along the Indo-Myanmar border. 

The association warned not to remain silent if the authority concerned fails to fulfil their demand.

Today representatives of ANSAM met with the governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum outlining several demands. 

It included reinstating FMR in Naga areas and stop border fencing construction along the Indo-Myanmar border. They also apprised issues related to health and education.

Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club after the meeting, the president of ANSAM, Th Angteshang Maring said that a memorandum was submitted to the governor of Manipur to apprise the concern of the Naga populace and people of the state in general.

He further said that they urged the governor of Manipur to scrap FMR and border fencing on the Indo-Myanmar border. The matter was not raised neither going against Meitei community nor favouring the Kuki. But to assert the rights of the indigenous Naga community of the state. 

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The government of India has started border fencing without concerning the Naga population and it is continuing in the pretext of controlling illegal immigrants coming from foreign countries, he added.

He stated that the present Indo- Myanmar Border (IMB) is an imposed imaginary line drawn between the families, and community without the consent and knowledge of the affected tribal populace residing in the contested borderline. 

The Indo-Myanmar Border holds greater significance for the regional inhabitants than being merely a permeable or unfenced boundary. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of physical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and fraternal ties. Those residing on both sides of the IMB share a profound emotional connection fostered by their common cultural affinity,he emphasised the significance of reinstating FMR Naga areas. 

He continues to say that the construction of border fencing is not the only solution to address illegal immigrants. The government both centre and state is sincere enough in curbing this issue, they should implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC)

They have been raising voices against the scrapping of FMR and border fencing. But the government heed no attention which is very unfortunate, he warned that they will not remain silent if the government doesn’t materialise their demand.