Voices of Despair: A plea for help from ‘No Man’s Land’

Konyak Union (Myanmar) raises serious concerns about the deteriorating living conditions in the Eastern Konyak Naga region

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 20 (MExN): The Konyak Union (Myanmar) has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating living conditions in the Eastern Konyak Naga region, commonly referred to as “No Man’s Land.” 

In a press release issued on Saturday, Konyak Union (Myanmar) general secretary, K Akham Honwang described how the Naga communities of Myanmar find themselves caught between competing forces, including the NSCN, Indian paramilitary units, and the Myanmar Junta, following the independence of India and Myanmar in 1947 and 1948.

Honwang stated that the Naga communities, who have inhabited this region for generations, are suffering from a complete lack of government development initiatives- with essential services such as schools, health centres, and basic infrastructure virtually nonexistent, leaving residents without the support they need from either the Indian or Myanmar governments.

“The conditions are grim. People here have been appealing for development for years, but the Myanmar government has consistently ignored our pleas. We have been left in a state of uncertainty and neglect.” Honwang emphasized that the historical significance of the region has been overshadowed by ongoing conflict and neglect from both sides of the border.

The term “No Man’s Land” was coined by outsiders who viewed the area as barren and uninhabited, overlooking the vibrant life and rich history of the local population. This label has led to further marginalization, as it fails to recognize the community’s enduring presence and resilience, Honwang stated. Instead, the area has become a battleground, with armed forces from both countries frequently clashing nearby, further complicating the lives of innocent civilians, it stated. 

Since the independence of India and Myanmar, the villages in this border region have often been treated as a public domain for military activities. This has led to repeated conflicts, displacing families and destabilizing the already fragile situation. Even their basic needs have been consistently overlooked, with ongoing violence rendering everyday life increasingly precarious.

Honwang also pointed out that while the foreigners have coined the term “No Man’s Land,” leaders from the Naga political groups have labelled it as “Base Areas.” Many residents are feeling abandoned by both the Indian and Myanmar governments, questioning whether they belong to either nation as their pleas for development go unheard, he said. 

Also noting that many Naga national workers have gained ranks within various Naga political groups, he, however, expressed concern about the conduct of these leaders. “They do not maintain the principles expected of true Naga leaders,” Honwang stated. “The sacrifices made by innocent people since the 1950s seem to have gone unnoticed. Nothing has changed; we remain in ‘No Man’s Land,’ primarily a place for insurgent activities.”

“We never imagined our ancestral land would become such a battleground,” he lamented adding, “We lived freely for generations, but now we face war every year.”

While highlighting these, Honwang has called on Naga leaders to revisit the area and reconsider their priorities. “We cannot achieve Naga sovereignty through internal conflict or by fighting with India and Myanmar,” he emphasized. “Only through peace and unity can we hope for a better future for our people.”  Honwang expressed that a collective approach is essential for addressing the long-standing issues plaguing the region.

Furthermore, Honwang expressed concern over the international community’s lack of awareness regarding the situation in the Eastern Konyak Naga area. He, therefore, urged for greater international attention and intervention to address the systemic neglect faced by the Konyak Naga people. “We are calling for help,” he stated. “Our people have been suffering for too long, and it is crucial that our voices are heard.”

Honwang also made an appeal to Naga national workers, urging them to reconsider the circumstances facing border area villages. He emphasized that the people of the region are currently living in conditions akin to a nomadic lifestyle, serving the Naga national movement while experiencing significant neglect from both Indian and Myanmar governments.

Highlighting the urgent need for development, Honwang described the villages as existing “like a forest,” where local people are sheltered but overlooked. “We want alternative living conditions. How long will we live like this, waiting for Naga sovereignty without any clear future, only to face constant conflict?” he questioned. 

Honwang stressed that true Naga sovereignty cannot be attained through internal strife among Naga national workers or through ongoing battles against India and Myanmar. Instead, he emphasized the necessity of peace and unity as critical components for achieving independence. “If we are to achieve Naga sovereignty, it must come with peace and unity,” Honwang stated.