Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed on Saturday that the Government of India will be putting up fence along India’s border with Myanmar in the Northeast. Addressing the passing out parade of commandos of Assam Police in Guwahati, Assam, Shah also announced that the government had been deliberating on the existing agreement with Myanmar and has decided to remove the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

Several Naga organisations have already opposed to these proposals citing that the fence and the abrogation of FMR will further divide the Naga people. They have also agued that such step would be violation of indigenous rights of the Naga people.

Nagaland shares a 215 km border with Myanmar. The border runs along the districts of Mon, Noklak, Kiphire and Phek. Free Movement Regime allows people who live within 16 km of the border on both India and Myanmar to roam freely within 16 km of the other country without needing a visa.

Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton had earlier expressed that he is against the fencing and ending of FMR. During a meeting with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on 9th January 2024, Patton stated that the proposals were unacceptable as a large number of Nagas live in Myanmar.

Nagaland Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, TN Manen, on 17th January 2024, said that suspension of Free Movement Regime should be opposed. He said this during a consultative meeting of the NDPP, Noklak region.

Meanwhile, Noklak MLA P Longon also said on Saturday that he is against the Government of India’s intention of closing the border with Myanmar and instead called for the protection and revival of International Trade Centre (ITC) at Dan, Pangsha.

In a representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in September 2023, the Naga Hoho had highlighted that “Nagas in Burma live in approximately 390 Naga villages. Its population is estimated to be about half a million. There are 7 major Naga tribes in Myanmar Tangshang, Konyak, Lainong, Nokko (Khiamniungan), Makury, Para, Tangkhul and other minor tribes include Anal, Moyon, Lamkang etc.”