Protests against scrapping of FMR & border fencing reach Nagaland capital

All Naga tribe units in Kohima support brethrens in border areas

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 10

The Kohima units of all Naga tribe hohos and social organisations today extended their unwavering support to Nagas residing in the border areas between India and Myanmar, who are currently protesting against border fencing, the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), and the enforcement of the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) by the Government of India (GoI).

The endorsement came during a public rally at Old MLA Hostel Junction, Kohima, jointly organised by the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and all Naga tribe units in Kohima to protest the scrapping of the FMR and related issues.

“Nagas have been living along the India-Myanmar border since time immemorial, sharing culture, traditions, family ties, agriculture, and land across the artificial border,” stated K Shiwoto Wotsa, President of Kohima Sumi Hoho, in a solidarity message.

He highlighted that the FMR, introduced in 1968 with a 40 km limit, was gradually reduced to 10 km by 2016 and the GoI scrapped it entirely, citing national security and demographic concerns in February 2024.

Wotsa further maintained that the abolition of the FMR, along with border fencing and the introduction of permits, has severely disrupted the long-standing historical, cultural, social, familial, and economic ties of indigenous Nagas living along the India-Myanmar border.

“This situation has fragmented ancestral lands and families that have coexisted for generations, resulting in significant emotional, mental, and physical distress for the affected individuals,” he added. 

“We empathise with the anguish of having to obtain permits to access one’s own land, where free movement and cultivation have been customary for ages, and to visit one’s own family,” he added, speaking on behalf of all Naga tribal units in Kohima.

The public rally was organised “to show our solidarity as one family,” Wotsa said, adding that all Kohima-based tribal hohos had jointly submitted a representation to the Union Home Minister through the Governor of Nagaland, seeking redress of the people’s grievances.

He also urged everyone to express their dissent democratically against these measures imposed against the wishes of the indigenous populace, adding: “We appeal to the Central Government to listen to the voices of the people, as a democratic nation, and reconsider its decision.”

“This will alleviate the pain and suffering endured by the indigenous Nagas of Nagaland living in the border regions,” Wotsa added.

Accordingly, the rally demanded the cessation of border fencing along the India-Myanmar border in Nagaland, the restoration of the FMR, and the withdrawal of RAP/PAP.

Legal perspective 
Sharing his legal perspective, senior advocate Timikha Koza stated that Nagas are indigenous people who have historically lived along and across present-day borders, even before the arrival of the British or the formation of modern states.

“The Nagas were already there. We own land. Whenever there is a dispute, it is decided by our traditions and customs,” he said, emphasising that traditional Naga boundaries were determined by cultural and livelihood practices.

“Where people grazed their cattle or cultivated land was guided by customary norms. The hill tribes were recognised even during British rule. India and Burma (now Myanmar) became independent nations later, but the Nagas were already living across these areas. Our land was divided arbitrarily by colonial powers, and later by the Burmese and Indian Prime Ministers,” Koza stated.

Criticising the recent move, Koza posed, “The GoI has stopped the FMR and replaced it with border fencing. Are we going to allow our land to be divided?”

Under the new restrictions, Nagas would need to seek permission from the police, army, or other security personnel just to visit their families or carry out daily work, he added. 

According to Koza, if this is allowed to continue, the people will suffer immensely, as “half of our land lies in Myanmar” elaborating that while there is a notional border, physical demarcation has not occurred, largely because the people have refused to cede land for that purpose.

Thus, he called for resistance to the GoI’s decision, stating: “India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The FMR is closely tied to the colonial and post-colonial history of the region. The land we own today is a gift from God, and it would be a crime to forsake it.”

Koza further asserted that political decisions and demarcation cannot be the basis for such actions, even under international law. “Before any political decision is taken, there must be consultation. People must be taken into confidence, so they are not put in jeopardy.”

“Now, the GoI has imposed this without consulting the Nagas. This imposition will not prevail. Freedom and free expression will prevail,” he added. 

The senior Advocate also stressed that it was high time for everyone to take up the issue, stating that the Nagas must make it clear to the GoI that they do not accept the decision. “We will resist it at all costs. The more we stand firm, the more India will listen.”

‘Till demand is redressed’
Addressing the rally, APO President Thejao Vihienuo asserted that this was only the beginning, and the “democratic rights and peaceful expression of the Nagas should not be taken as a weakness.”

“We are prepared to go further, and we will go further till our demand is redressed and fulfilled,” he stated.

Khampei Konyak of Longwa village, Mon, and P. Shingnya of Dan village, Noklak, shared “On Ground Reality” at the rally and urged all Nagas to unite, raise their voices, and work together in the best interests of the Naga people.

Earlier, Rev Sentisashi Aier, Senior Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo, offered a prayer for the rally programme.