The Myanmar based Naga tribal hohos and student bodies held a ‘critical assembly’ on 2 February 2024 at Naga Cultural Morung, Lahe Town in Sagaing Region in Myanmar, Naga Students’ Organisation has informed. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss “the pressing issues surrounding the withdrawal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the proposed reconstruction of border fencing, announced by Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister of India, on 20th January 2024,” NSO said.
At the NSO convened emergency meeting, the organisations condemned the “Akhand Bharat” (unified greater India) agenda of Government of India which they alleged is a “divisive tactic of creating borders and manipulating civil society.” The meeting therefore resolved to stand “united, determined to resist any attempts at territorial encroachment or manipulation”.
The Myanmar based Naga organisations stated that GoI’s decision on the FMR and the border fence “betray the very essence of Nagaland’s historical resistance and autonomy”. They also added that instead of facilitating democracy and human rights in Myanmar, India is contributing to the oppression that the people are already suffering from the “merciless junta”.
The declaration of the Naga tribal hohos and Naga student bodies have affirmed that their declaration “encapsulates our collective will and determination, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the promotion of our cultural identity, territorial integrity, and the pursuit of peace within our Naga Homeland.”
The resolutions adopted on 2nd February at Lahe Town included:
1. Sovereign Opposition: We affirmatively declare our stance against any unilateral move by the governments of India or Myanmar to enclose the Naga Homeland without our explicit consent. We pledge to vehemently oppose and protest such actions with unwavering determination.
2. Fencing Resistance: We make a firm resolution to dismantle any fencing erected within the Naga Homeland by any government. We collectively commit to preserve the openness of our Naga Homeland, resisting external impositions on our territorial integrity.
3. Freedom of Movement: We assertively declare that Naga people shall enjoy unrestricted access to their farmlands, fields, Naga villages, and towns within the Naga Homeland. We reaffirm that Naga citizens shall not be subjected to passport or visa requirements within our sovereign territory.
4. Peace and Harmony Mandate: We resoundingly remind the government of India to prioritize the significance of maintaining peace and harmony within the Naga Homeland. We emphasize the integral role of our Naga Homeland as the keystone of India’s Act East Policy, urging authorities to consider the delicate balance crucial for regional stability.
