Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) Myanmar has expressed shock and deep concern over the Government of India’s recent decision to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border. In a press release, ENSA president Atimiu Makury also expressed worry over “certain Naga politicians” alignment with their central leadership on the issue, saying such a stance “regrettably” lacked respect and integrity towards the Naga people residing across the “imposed boundary” for centuries.
ENSA asserted that Naga people, as indigenous inhabitants, did not view themselves as slaves, refugees, or foreigners on their own soil, which spans Naga inhabited lands and regions. The apex student body of Nagas in Myanmar reminded that neither India nor Burma had the right to dictate the future of the Nagas or impose boundary in Naga soil. “Against all the established human rights standards, the arbitrary boundary drawn by Jawaharlal Nehru and U Nu within Naga territory, notably exemplified by the division of Longwa Angh’s kitchen, was executed without Naga consent,” ENSA maintained.
It stated that the concept of FMR introduced by India and Myanmar was “alien to the Nagas”, who, since time immemorial, have traversed mountains, ridges, and rivers without the imposition of boundaries. While a few Naga politicians may voice support for the government of India’s decision to suspend FMR, the ENSA affirmed that “such sentiments” did not reflect the broader consensus of the Naga community. “Threats and intimidation towards innocent, peace-loving people do not offer solutions; rather, they exacerbate existing issues,” the student body stated.
Further, ENSA stated that the alleged suspension of FMR on the grounds of countering drug trafficking and illegal activities was deemed “a feeble pretext, concealing Delhi’s hidden agenda against the Nagas.”
The association stated that the government of India’s justification only undermined the commendable efforts of Naga individuals across the border addressing those issues without the support of India and Myanmar.
Therefore, ENSA has urged the government of India to engage in meaningful dialogue with Naga leaders, politicians, civil society organizations (CSOs), and all the stakeholders. It said that such approach was essential for preserving peace and stability in the border areas without jeopardizing the lives and aspirations of the Naga people, who were united as one.