Dimapur, Jan. 16: Former chief minister, and the present Lok Sabha member from Nagaland, Nephiu Rio has written to prime minister Narendra Modi, inviting the latter’s intervention to undo the construction of Indo-Myanmar border fencing near Pangsha.
“I write to apprise you of the problems and crisis created in Nagaland due to construction of border fencing along the international boundary between India and Myanmar in the Naga inhabited areas. The international boundary between India and Myanmar in the Nagaland region is 215 Kms and is between pillar No. 139 to 146.
“You will be aware that the people living in both sides of the border in the Naga areas belong to the similar tribes and have been living as one community since time immemorial. The population on both sides of the border, not only belong to the same tribe but most of the people are of the same family and clan and even have common properties across the border.
“Throughout history, the people have lived in harmony across the entire region despite the imaginary boundary. There are even properties and age-old houses that are located on the imaginary boundary itself,” Rio stated in his letter to Modi.
It needs to be mentioned that due to the close-knit community and traditional bonds between the people, these regions have never faced social problems of any nature and there is no question of immigration, illegal activities, etc, the letter read.
“In fact, rich social fabric of the people has always been a source of strength for both countries, and the presence of a common population on either side of the boundary has always been a genuine factor for unity and understanding between India and Myanmar. In the future too, it is bound to contribute towards bringing the two countries closer towards mutual cooperation and partnership.
“It is pertinent to point out that the construction of border fencing has disturbed the social harmony and has the potential to create a serious social and humanitarian crisis. The masses have already objected and public demonstrations against the construction have been carried out. Civil society organisations, apex tribal bodies and civil society groups on both sides of the border have opposed the construction.”
Rio recalled that in his time as the chief minister of Nagaland the matter was discussed on few occasions. “However, I had out rightly rejected the suggestion because I am aware of the ground realities and the mind of the people. The fencing work is being executed without taking into consideration the sentiments and confidence of the local population. It needs to be stopped immediately or else a serious crisis is likely to erupt in the border regions.
“There is potential that the natural peace and harmony that has always existed could be disturbed with serious negative implications. In this connection, I appeal to you to prevail upon the situation and intervene and undo the construction of the border fencing so that we do not disturb the prevailing peace and harmony, which has held good for centuries”.
