State Janata Dal (United) unit has expressed deep concern over the central government’s recent decision to erect fence along the Indo-Myanmar border and terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
Claiming that the FMR had long facilitated cross-border interactions among communities sharing ethnic, cultural, and familial ties, the JDU state unit in a statement alleged that the decision reportedly driven by security considerations in certain border regions was made without prior consultation with affected stakeholders, including the people of Nagaland and neighbouring north-eastern states.
The party mentioned that FMR, established to honour the historical interconnectedness of communities divided by colonial-era borders, had been vital in fostering cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and regional harmony. It warned that its termination risked disrupting centuries-old ties between indigenous tribes of the Eastern Nagas who resided on both sides of the border.
According to the party, the move to fence the border and end the FMR overlooked the unique socio-political context of the region and risked exacerbating tensions by further estranging communities already affected by the artificial division of ancestral lands.
Regretting the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, which excluded meaningful dialogue with state governments, civil society, and local leaders, the JDU state unit lamented that this top-down approach undermined the spirit of cooperative federalism and risked increasing distrust among border communities.
The party cautioned that ignoring local perspectives could lead to social unrest, and create long-term challenges for families and traders dependent on cross-border connections.
Noting that the decision posed a direct challenge to the shared heritage and identity, the party urged the central government to engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders, including Myanmar, to address security concerns while preserving the rights and livelihoods of our people, instead of constructing physical barriers.
The party said exploring alternatives like regulated movement, advanced monitoring systems, and community-inclusive border management could offer balanced solutions.
The JDU Nagaland requested the state government to strongly urge the central government to revisit its decision, facilitate collaborative discussions involving Myanmar, state governments, tribal bodies, and civil society to redesign border policies, and prioritise balanced solutions that harmonised security needs with the preservation of cultural and economic bonds.
The party cautioned that border fencing and the termination of the FMR might not address underlying challenges but could instead widen existing gaps.
The party stressed that a cooperative, forward-looking approach that respected the aspirations of border communities and ensured regional stability was urgently needed.
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rights and unity of the people, the party called for collective efforts to persuade the central government to reconsider this divisive measure.