Imphal, Sept 18: The Indian government has decided to temporarily halt fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar border in Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur, despite recent statements by Union Home Minister Amit Shah calling for expedited fencing.
According to a report by ‘The Indian Express,’ a meeting with senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials concluded that fencing in the Kuki-populated hill regions will be delayed, while work in other border areas will continue as scheduled. A senior official confirmed that the government will now prioritize fencing in regions with Naga populations.
Kuki-Zo groups have opposed the border fencing, claiming it disrupts the ‘Free Movement Regime’ (FMR), which allows residents within 16 kilometers of the border on either side to cross without a visa and stay for up to two weeks.
A senior official stated, “The decision was made in response to concerns from the Kuki community in border areas. While their concerns have been acknowledged, fencing in these regions will be postponed.” The initial plan to speed up fencing in Kuki-dominated regions was reassessed due to this opposition.
The Indo-Myanmar border stretches 398 kilometers across five Manipur districts: Churachandpur, Chandel, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, and Ukhrul. Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to border security, noting that the MHA had decided in February to end the FMR to enhance internal security and preserve the demographic integrity of India’s northeastern states.
