News Reporter
Churachandpur, Manipur- 29 January, 24: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) in Manipur's Churachandpur district has taken a firm stance against the Centre's decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border, citing concerns over the cancellation of the Free Movement Regime. This decision was reached during a public consultation held in the district headquarters town on January 27.
The Free Movement Regime, allowing individuals on both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa, has been a significant aspect of cross-border interactions. The ITLF's statement emphasized its opposition to the fencing initiative and outlined plans to engage with the Mizoram government regarding the "political future of Kuki-Zo people."
With a 1,643-km-long border shared by Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, Myanmar has been a crucial neighbor. The recent political developments, particularly the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, have led to over 31,000 refugees, predominantly from the Chin state, seeking shelter in Mizoram and Manipur.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on January 20 in Guwahati the government's intention to halt free movement at the India-Myanmar border and initiate comprehensive fencing for enhanced security, drawing parallels with the country's boundary with Bangladesh.
The ITLF's resolution signals the local opposition to the proposed changes, reflecting the complex dynamics surrounding border management and cross-border movements in the region.