Manipur Governor reviews progress of Indo-Myanmar border fencing work

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing border-fencing works along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Chairing a review meeting held at the Conference Hall of Raj Bhavan, Imphal, this evening, the Governor reviewed the overall progress of the construction works along the border, Imphal Raj Bhavan said in a media release.
Senior BRO officers, including the additional DG of Border Roads (East) and the CO of 25 BRTF, briefed the Governor on the progress of the fencing, key operational issues, and the overall performance of the project, it said. They also flagged concerns related to security and communication and put forward recommendations to ensure faster and smoother execution of the remaining works.
The Governor appreciated the progress made so far and conveyed that necessary support will be extended by the government to address the concerns raised by the BRO.
State chief secretary, DGP, additional chief secretary, commissioners and senior officers from the BRO and Assam Rifles also attended the review meeting in which deputy commissioners of border districts also present.
The Government of India is constructing fencing along the 1,643 km Indo-Myanmar border, including in Manipur, to combat illegal activities like drug trafficking and infiltration.
In 2024, the Centre approved Rs 30,000 crore for the construction of fencing and the BRO is currently engaged in the construction of fencing along the 398-km stretch of the Manipur sector of the international border. In Manipur, a 9.21 km stretch of the border near Moreh in Tengnoupal district has been completed and work reportedly is underway on other projects amid objections raised by various tribal based civil society groups. The fencing construction work is reportedly in progress on a 21 km stretch in other parts of Manipur despite the objection.
The Centre is planning to fence the entire international border with Myanmar as part of a broader strategy to enhance border security and manage the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
However, the initiative received stiff objection from various Naga and Kuki bodies on the ground that it would disrupt ethnic and familial ties of people living on both sides of the border.
Taking note of their concern, the Centre, represented by top officials of the Union ministry of home affairs, had held a meeting with United Naga Council, the apex of tribes within the fold of Naga in New Delhi on August 26 last.
The meeting was, however, inconclusive as the UNC stuck to its demand – an immediate halt to the India-Myanmar border fencing work and reinstatement of the FMR (Free Movement Regime) even as the Central government officials said border fencing is an issue of national security.
Recently, chiefs of as many as 16 Kuki villages residing along the Indo-Myanmar border have also raised their strong opposition to the ongoing border fencing while demanding immediate halt to the fencing work until Kuki organizations’ demand for a separate administration for the community is achieved.