CHURACHANDPUR, Nov 25: The Kuki-Zo Council has strongly condemned the central government’s ongoing efforts to construct border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border in the Tengnoupal district of Manipur. In a press release issued today, the Council labeled the initiative a “flagrant violation of international laws and the rights of indigenous communities residing in the border areas.”
The Council highlighted widespread opposition to the project from tribal bodies across border states, including Nagaland and Mizoram. Despite this resistance, the central government has continued with the initiative, prompting the Kuki-Zo Council to call for immediate action to halt further construction.
The Kuki-Zo Council urged local authorities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to take a decisive stand against the construction activity. The Council stressed that the border fencing poses a significant threat to the cultural and socioeconomic stability of indigenous communities.
“The construction of the border fencing not only violates international laws but also threatens the cultural and socioeconomic fabric of the indigenous communities along the border,” the statement read. The Council emphasized the importance of safeguarding the autonomy and rights of these populations.
Recognizing the potential detrimental impact of the project, the Kuki-Zo Council called for solidarity among stakeholders. The Council believes that a united front is essential to resist what it described as an “intrusive and controversial project.”
“It is crucial that a united front is presented to resist actions that disregard the rights and well-being of the indigenous peoples,” the statement continued.
The Kuki-Zo Council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the Kuki-Zo people. The Council expressed its readiness to collaborate with like-minded organizations to prevent further attempts at constructing the border fencing.
“The Council remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the interests and rights of the Kuki-Zo people,” it stated.
The border fencing initiative has sparked concerns among tribal bodies in northeastern states, who view it as an infringement on the rights of indigenous populations. The Kuki-Zo Council has reiterated its stance that such measures are unjustified and detrimental to the socio-cultural fabric of the region.
