MONDAY, MAY 05, 2025
NSCN (Khango-Hokato) opposes scrapping of Free Movement Regime
Published on Mar 2, 2025
By EMN
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- 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.
- The Naga National Political Alliance (NNPA), spearheaded by NSCN/GPRN, further reiterated its message to the Government of India to refrain from actions that could obstruct the ongoing Naga political talks and work towards a resolution that respects the social and political rights of the Naga people at this crucial juncture as they collectively strive for a final and just solution to the longstanding aspiration of the Nagas.
Nagaland Districts
