India-Myanmar Border Fencing and Free Movement Regime (FMR) Meeting
The meeting between the Manipur Naga delegation and Central government officials regarding the India-Myanmar border fencing and Free Movement Regime (FMR) ended inconclusively. It took place in New Delhi on August 26, 2025.
Delegation and Central Representation
- The delegation comprised 11 members from the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women’s Union, and All-Naga Students’ Association, Manipur.
- The Central team was led by A.K. Mishra, Advisor (Northeast) to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Key Issues Discussed
- The Naga delegation demanded:
- Reinstatement of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
- An immediate halt to the India-Myanmar border fencing work.
- The Central government justified both the removal of FMR and the fencing project, citing national security concerns.
Concerns Raised by the Naga Delegation
- The traditional boundary of the Naga-inhabited areas extends up to the Chindwin River in Myanmar, necessitating border corrections before fencing.
- A significant Naga population resides across the border, especially in Myanmar’s Sagaing Division.
- The Naga leaders stated that the decisions against the FMR and fence erection contradict the Indo-Naga peace talks' spirit.
Historical Context and Impact
- In a memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the UNC emphasized:
- The Nagas have shared ethnic and familial ties across the India-Myanmar border.
- These ties predate colonial boundary demarcations and are vital to their identity and lifestyle.
- The abrupt abrogation of FMR and border fencing disrupted natural community and familial relationships.
Free Movement Regime (FMR) History
- Established in 1968, the FMR initially permitted movement within 40 km from the boundary line on either side.
- The territorial limit was reduced to 16 km in 2004 and further tightened to 10 km recently.
