**Title:** Manipur Governor Urges Peace Amid Naga Council’s Border Concerns
**Meta Description:** Manipur’s Governor calls for calm as the United Naga Council opposes border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar frontier, demanding respect for traditional boundaries.
**URL Slug:** manipur-governor-naga-council-border-fencing
**Headline:** Manipur Governor Appeals for Calm as Naga Council Opposes Border Fencing
In a recent meeting, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla called for peace and restraint as the United Naga Council (UNC) reiterated its strong opposition to the ongoing border fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar border. The UNC insists that any fencing must align with the traditional boundaries of Naga territories.
On Saturday, a delegation from the UNC, led by President Ng Lorho, met with Governor Bhalla at Raj Bhavan to express their concerns regarding the unilateral abrogation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the construction of fencing through what they assert is Naga land. Lorho emphasized, “We are not against border fencing, but it must be carried out along the traditional boundary with Myanmar. Construction on Naga land is not acceptable.” He further stated that the UNC would persist in its agitation until their demands are addressed, regardless of future dialogue invitations.
Governor Bhalla assured the delegation that their concerns would be communicated to the Union Home Ministry and urged them to maintain calm as discussions progress. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled within three days to continue the dialogue.
The UNC has been vocal in its opposition since August 11, when it warned of “stringent action” if the government did not respond within 15 days. This latest stance highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the Indo-Myanmar border project, which has become a significant flashpoint in the region.
Manipur shares a 398-km border with Myanmar, with fencing completed on a 9-km stretch in Moreh and an additional 21 km of fencing and road construction currently underway. The FMR, which originally allowed free movement of up to 40 km across the border, was reduced to 16 km in 2004 but remains in effect. This dispute reflects broader concerns among Naga groups regarding the preservation of their traditional land rights.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions between the UNC and the Manipur government will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by the Naga community and ensuring that their traditional boundaries are respected in future border projects.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the United Naga Council’s main concern regarding the border fencing?**
A: The UNC’s primary concern is that the border fencing should align with the traditional boundaries of Naga areas, asserting that construction on Naga land is unacceptable.
