Nagaland Assembly adopts resolution against decision to fence Indo-Myanmar border, scrap FMR

Nagaland Assembly adopts resolution against decision to fence Indo-Myanmar border, scrap FMR -The Nagaland Assembly took a strong stance against the central government's decision to fence the border with Myanmar and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) on March 1, 2024. Let's delve deeper into this issue and understand the reasons behind the Assembly's resolution.

What is the Free Movement Regime (FMR)?

The FMR is a unique agreement between India and Myanmar that allows people residing near the border to travel up to 16 kilometers into each other's territory without requiring a visa. This visa-free movement has existed for decades and is deeply ingrained in the lives of Naga communities residing on both sides of the border.

Why Does Nagaland Oppose Fencing and Scrapping FMR?

The Nagaland Assembly's resolution highlights several concerns:

• Disruption of Historical Ties: The resolution emphasizes that the border fencing and ending the FMR would disrupt the longstanding social, cultural, and economic ties between Naga people living across the border. These communities share deep historical connections and the free movement has fostered kinship and economic interdependence.

• Inconvenience to Border Residents:  Many people in Nagaland own agricultural land or have family connections across the border. The fencing and stricter border controls would cause immense hardship for these communities who rely on this free movement for daily life.

The resolution urges the central government to:

• Reconsider the Decision: The Assembly requests the government to re-evaluate its plans for fencing and scrapping the FMR.

• Develop Regulations: They propose that the government work collaboratively with border communities to establish regulations for cross-border movement. These regulations should consider the unique needs and traditions of the people residing in these areas.

• Involve Village Councils: The resolution emphasizes the importance of including village councils, the traditional form of governance in Nagaland, in designing any new border management system.

Possible Reasons Behind the Central Government's Decision

While the specific reasons behind the central government's move are not explicitly mentioned in the Assembly resolution, it can be speculated that security concerns might be a major factor. Myanmar has been facing political instability in recent times, and stricter border control could be seen as a measure to strengthen national security.

Looking Ahead

The Nagaland Assembly's resolution reflects the concerns of the state regarding the impact of fencing the Indo-Myanmar border and scrapping the FMR. It remains to be seen how the central government will respond to the Assembly's request for reconsideration and how a solution can be found that balances security needs with the traditional way of life of the border communities.