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DIMAPUR — Nagaland Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, defended the central government’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) pact with Myanmar, stating that it reflects governance assertion ‘for the good of the nation’.
Along made the remark on the sidelines of the National Institute of Technology (NIT)’s convocation programme at Chümoukedima on Wednesday.
Emphasising that the decision should not be interpreted as an immediate occurrence based on a single statement, he said the Home Ministry will discuss the specifics of the actual process with regional leaders and states.
Responding to concerns about the potential impact on Naga people along the Myanmar border if the FMR is terminated, the minister reassured that national leaders would take cognisance of regional perspectives. He urged patience, saying that any changes would not be abrupt.
While acknowledging the potential impact of the Centre’s move, especially if border fencing occurs, he also stressed the need to address cross-border issues, highlighting the importance of preventing the influx of illegal drugs and firearms through northeast corridors. Both these issues, he said, should be carefully deliberated.
Reiterating the need for patience on the issue, the minister stated that that focus should be on the upcoming 2024 elections. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would return, to make India into a developed nation by 2047.
Regardless of the candidates fielded in the state, he affirmed support for the PDA alliance government in Nagaland.