Nagaland: Nagas Continue to Protest FMR Scrapping, Says Centre’s Border Fence Threatens Tribal Identity

Protesters voiced their firm opposition to the proposed fencing and urged the Centre to reinstate the FMR with Myanmar.

Nagaland is witnessing strong opposition to the Centre’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct border fencing along the India-Myanmar border. As part of the widespread protests erupting across the state, the Yimkhiung Tribal Council recently organised a massive public rally at Pungro Town in Kiphire district. Protesters voiced their firm opposition to the proposed fencing and urged the Centre to reinstate the FMR with Myanmar.

A memorandum supporting these demands and calling for urgent intervention was submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pungro.

The agitation across Nagaland has intensified following the Centre’s move to dismantle the traditional cross-border ties shared between Naga communities living on both sides of the international border. Many fear the fencing will divide ancestral lands and disrupt long-standing social, cultural, and familial ties.

On April 9, the Angami Public Organization (APO), along with various Naga tribal units in Kohima, also hit the streets in protest. The demonstrators demanded the restoration of the FMR, emphasizing its importance in preserving the indigenous way of life. Following the protest, the APO and other tribal representatives submitted a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through Nagaland Governor La Ganesan.

Earlier, on April 3, massive protests were held in Noklak district, jointly organized by the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Khiamniungan Tribal Council at ITC Dan. Protesters condemned the Centre’s decision to scrap the FMR and build a border fence. NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon and Noklak MLA P. Longon were among the prominent figures present.

On April 2, the NPF organized another major rally at Longwa village in Mon district. Party leaders strongly opposed the border fencing plan and warned of serious consequences if it proceeds against the will of the people. The rally saw participation from the NPF Central Team, including party president Apong Pongener, Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, and local leaders. The Angh (Chief) of Longwa village, whose house famously lies across both India and Myanmar, also voiced his deep concern.

Earlier this month, a top influential Naga chieftain, Tonyei Phawang, the Angh of Longwa, urged the Centre to reconsider the FMR withdrawal, citing the deep-rooted socio-cultural ties of Naga communities spread across the border.

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