Eastern Konyak Union raises alarm over military operations, appeals for peace and development

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Konyak Union (EKU), representing Konyak communities residing in villages across the India–Myanmar border, has appealed to the Indian and Myanmar authorities, Naga political groups, and Naga civil society organisations to address the challenges faced by civilians in the region, citing fear, trauma, and long-standing neglect.

The appeal was issued following a four-day Eastern Konyak public consultative meeting held from November 26 to the 29th at Chen Yanching village.

According to a press statement, the meeting was attended by Eastern Konyak civil society organisations, village authorities, and student bodies, who deliberated on the impact of armed groups, cross-border military activity, and the lack of development support for border communities.

The EKU said that the meeting was convened to discuss “harassment and torture upon innocent public life in the name of militants’ activities.”

It alleged that aerial surveillance, night-time military operations and bombardment had caused fear and trauma among residents, citing incidents in July and October 2025 in forests near Hoyat village.

The union appealed to Indian and Myanmar military authorities to “distinguish public life and military life,” saying that civilians in the region depend on agriculture and have “no enemy to attack.” It urged all authorities to refrain from actions that place villagers at risk.

The EKU further expressed frustration that eastern border villages have been “isolated and red-marked” by governments and even Naga organisations, leading to neglect in development and welfare.

It stated that the area had historically been central to political discussions between Naga groups and regional leaders, and that referring to the region as a “no man’s land” has worsened marginalisation, leaving the civilians feeling abandoned.

According to the EKU, after the consultative meeting, its representatives also met Naga political groups within the area and conveyed that civilians wanted to “live freely in our own land” without facing repeated hardships.

It urged armed groups to refrain from activities that bring pressure upon villages and reiterated that peace and development must become priorities.

The EKU further appealed to civil society organisations across Nagaland to intervene with government authorities on the issue of security operations.

It pointed out that Eastern Konyak villagers rely heavily on Nagaland for education, healthcare and daily livelihood because of the lack of facilities in Myanmar.

It requested that Eastern Konyak travellers not be subjected to suspicion or harassment when entering Nagaland for basic needs, maintaining that communities on both sides of the border share cultural and historical ties.

The statement expressed disappointment that some Naga political leaders had “forgotten” the support they once received from Eastern Konyak areas during their early involvement in the Naga political movement. It urged all leaders to recognise the continued suffering faced by the region.

It appealed to the government of India, Naga political groups, civil society organisations, and border authorities to intervene for the safety and dignity of civilians and to prioritise peace and development in the region.