Kohima, August 16 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has reiterated its opposition to the proposed fencing along the India-Myanmar border through what it described as the Naga homeland, asserting that any such move would further divide Naga communities and restrict their traditional freedom of movement.
In a notification issued by Yaruiwo Q Tuccu on August 15, the NSCN (IM) said it had repeatedly made known that the erection of fencing through the Naga homeland would be resisted and asserted that Nagas had the right to free movement within their homeland.
It termed the proposed scraping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), citing Indian security concerns, as "anti-Naga", arguing that it would restrict the rights of Nagas to maintain cultural ties and Naga brotherhood.
The NSCN (IM) said Nagas had maintained close ties with neighbouring Naga villages before the Naga homeland was "arbitrarily" demarcated with border pillars, which it alleged had divided even communities and families.
The group said Nagas would not permit the proposed border fencing to further alienate Naga communities, asserting that "Nagas are one wherever they are" and that Nagas were not illegal immigrants in their own land.
It said it did not object to fencing elsewhere to check the influx of illegal immigrants, but maintained that the Naga homeland should not be fenced or divided to serve the interests of others.
The NSCN (IM) further said Nagas would not be intimidated by force or what it described as suppressive, oppressive and repressive actions.
It alleged that the government's proposal to offer land compensation to villagers for border fencing was a "cheap agenda" and urged village chiefs, landowners and custodians of Naga customary traditions, land and resources to remain vigilant against such efforts.
The group appealed to village chiefs and landowners not to succumb to what it termed a "derogatory approach" by the Government of India, asserting that the rights of Nagas could not be bartered for compensation.
"The present Naga generation must stand firm for the future Naga generation like the forefathers who stood their ground for us," the notification said.
