Imphal: Over 15 Kuki village chiefs of Tengnoupal district, Manipur, bordering Myanmar have opposed the ongoing construction of border fencing and declared a non-cooperation policy.
In a press communique issued on Monday, the village chiefs of the Tengnoupal (border district of Manipur along Indo-Myanmar) alleged that the construction of border fencing along Indo-Myanmar has affected the village land. They also adverse the scrapping of free movement regime (FMR) from the international border as it affects the traditional cross border movement residing along the border area.
The chiefs said the fencing activities are directly affecting village lands and disrupting the lives of border residents. They expressed dismay that despite repeated press releases, memos, and rallies organized by the Kuki-Zo communities to highlight their opposition, the government has moved forward with the project without building consensus.
They also pointed out that the United Naga Council (UNC) had raised similar objections against both the fencing and the withdrawal of the FMR, yet the authorities have continued to press ahead.
“The Kuki chiefs along the border in the interest of the Kuki-Zo people is compelled to declare our non-cooperation on the issue by not claiming land compensation and negotiation until our political demand is met and normalcy returns in the state”, said the joint statement.
