NSCN (Khango-Hokato) opposes scrapping of Free Movement Regime
It urged the GoI to reaffirm its commitment to the Free Movement Regime (FMR) established in 2018, which is an integral component of the ‘Act East Policy.’
- DIMAPUR — The
NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Hokato Vusshe) has expressed strong opposition on the
decision of Government of India (GoI) in scrapping the Free Movement Regime
(FMR) and the ongoing construction of fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border
which has raised significant concern among the Naga community.
- It urged the GoI to reaffirm its commitment to the Free
Movement Regime (FMR) established in 2018, which is an integral component of
the ‘Act East Policy.’
- The resolution to this effect was unanimously taken during
its national tatar hoho held on January 15-16, 2025 held at Thamsao council
headquarters. It asserted that the policy framework should encompass a deep
recognition of the rights and cultural heritage of the Naga tribes, emphasising
the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between India and
Myanmar.
- The NSCN/GPRN stated that the long-standing shared history
of colonialism between the two nations necessitate a collaborative approach
that respects and acknowledges the fundamental rights of the Naga people
residing on both sides of the border adding that the collaborative effort is
essential for fostering regional peace and stability.
- “The historical context of border demarcation in Naga
territory- evidenced by agreements such as the ‘Treaty of Yandabo’ in 1826 and
subsequent delineations until 1972 was conducted without the consent or input
of the ancestral land owners. As such, the NSCN/GPRN firmly asserts that it
cannot accept the decision made by the Government of India to revoke the Free
Movement Regime (FMR) or to collaborate with the Myanmar government on border
matters that directly affects the historical rights and well-being of the Naga
community. The Nagas possess unique cultural traditions, customary practices
and historical rights as an indigenous community, which must be respected at
all cost,” the statement read.
- It cautioned that the Government of India would be held
fully accountable for any adverse consequences that arise from the construction
of fencing along Indo-Myanmar border, particularly if the initiative goes
forward without a thorough understanding of the socio-cultural and political
dynamics and realities on the ground.
- Informing that any development initiatives that fail to
align with the aspirations and sentiments of the Naga people would be perceived
as a significant threat to the cultural identity, it stated that those actions
would be met with serious resistance.
- The NSCN/GPRN also reminded the legislators of Nagaland
about the critical resolution passed by the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly
in 2024. Besides, it appealed to all civil society organisations, intellectuals
and the Naga populace to unite and vehemently condemn the Government of India’s
concerning policy of border fencing, which undermined the rights of the Naga
people.
