Nagas along Indo-Myanmar border seek reinstatement of FMR

DIMAPUR — The International Border Area People’s Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO) on Friday opposed the central government’s intention to abolish the Free Movement Regime and fence the Indo-Myanmar border ‘without taking into account the socio-historical implications and the existence of the Naga people.’

In a representation to the Governor of Nagaland, the organisation stated that the Nagas “had always resented the short-sighted and despotic bilateral demarcation of the international boundary that was done without their consent and knowledge.”

It said that when the British demarcated the Indo-Myanmar Border in 1826 through the Treaty of Yandabo, the decision was executed without the cognisance of the people inhabiting the region and it “created two different nationalities by splitting the ethnic population – Naga tribes into two different nations.”

Subsequently, in 1969, the boundary agreement was signed between the Government of the Republic of India and the Union of Burma (now Myanmar) and at present, the shared border area between Nagaland and Myanmar is over 213 kilometres long and covers an area of 4031.85 sq. Km. The region consists of 12 border blocks in the four districts of Mon, Noklak, Kiphire and Phek and comprises at least 233 Naga villages whose inhabitants consider the FMR as a boon.

However, the matter is not only restricted to sharing borders, the organisation stated, underscoring that the people living on both sides of Indo-Myanmar border have emotional bonding due to shared cultural affinity and even consider themselves as kith and kin, originating from same ancestral lineage.

“Besides the cultural affinity, trans-border trade is the lifeline of the villagers who engage in trade through ‘customary practice’ in the form of a barter system, allowing them to exchange local products or other items carried as a ‘head load.’ This form of trade is crucial and the locals act as a support system to each other for their survival,” it said.

In this context, the organisations stated that the Indo Myanmar border is not simply “a porous or an unfenced boundary, but it reflects the physical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural and fraternal linkages among the trans-border villagers.”

Likewise, the FMR which allows cross-border movement up to 16 km without a visa, “is very close to the hearts of locals, and any wrong decision by Government of India might lead to adverse consequences.”

“Therefore, neither the complete withdrawal of FMR nor its complete fencing is the best available option,” it said.

Highlighting the challenges faced by communities living along the border, the organisation went on to state that the areas of Nagaland that borders with Myanmar’s Chin State, Sagaing Region and Kachin State lack of infrastructure and has poor connectivity, thereby isolating the region from mainstream development of both countries.

Despite being the gateway between South and Southeast Asia and an important geopolitical location for India’s Act East Policy, the people in the border areas are underprivileged and do not enjoy the basic government facilities including education, health, electricity, food and nutrition.

“Their poor economic condition compels them to look for options such as carrying drugs and delivering them to drug lords/mafias. In addition, the youngsters have fewer opportunities in terms of education, jobs and other facilities, forcing them to get involved in drugs,” the organisation said.

This nexus of illicit trade and smuggling of narcotics might ruin the morale of the people, especially the youngsters, if the central government does not join hands with the state government to initiate appropriate and immediate measures, it cautioned.

In response to these challenges, the IBAPWO proposed a series of recommendations, including the reinstatement of the FMR, the establishment of designated entry points, and investment in infrastructure and development projects, including building schools, hospitals, and vocational training centres that will facilitate opportunities and stop the youth from getting involved in illicit activities and joining insurgency at borders.

Stating that such policies would be beneficial for the people living on both sides, the organisation also called for increased awareness and cooperation among border communities, security forces, and government agencies to address the complex issues facing the region.

Further, it said that the “Indo-Myanmar Border holds greater significance for the regional inhabitants than being merely a permeable or unfenced boundary,” as it symbolises the interconnections of physical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural and fraternal ties.

Echoing the collective call of ENPO, NSF and other tribal bodies of the state against the centre’s decision to scrap the FMR, the IBAPWO requested the Governor to reinstate the same in Naga areas along the border.