Tensions have risen in Manipur’s border region as sixteen Kuki-Zo chiefs have openly declared non-cooperation with the central government’s Indo-Myanmar border fencing project. The decision reflects growing opposition among local communities who fear that the ongoing fencing work will divide their ancestral land and separate families living along the border.
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Kuki-Zo chiefs unite against Indo-Myanmar border fence Manipur
The Kuki-Zo chiefs made their position clear after holding a series of community meetings in border villages. They said the fencing, which aims to secure the 1,643-km Indo-Myanmar border, could harm their traditional way of life. For generations, the Kuki-Zo people have lived across both sides of the border, with shared ethnic and cultural ties. The chiefs stated that they cannot accept any project that divides their lands or disrupts their unity.
Their decision to withdraw cooperation means that no community support, resources, or land permissions will be given for the fencing work within their territories. Local sources say that these chiefs are from villages in Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Kamjong districts, all located close to the border.
They claimed that the government did not consult local leaders before starting the project. According to them, the fencing line cuts through traditional village boundaries and sacred lands. The chiefs have also expressed concern that the move could displace families and damage age-old ties between communities across the border.
Concerns over impact on land and identity
The Indo-Myanmar border fence Manipur project is part of India’s broader effort to improve border security and stop illegal crossings. However, for the Kuki-Zo chiefs, the issue is not about security but about identity and survival.
They said their people have coexisted peacefully on both sides of the border long before modern boundaries were drawn. Many families have relatives in Myanmar’s Chin State and cross the border for social and cultural reasons. The new fencing, they argue, will end these traditional exchanges and isolate communities.
Several community members believe that fencing without a clear boundary agreement could lead to loss of land. In some areas, villagers worry that their homes, farmlands, and churches may end up on the other side of the fence. This has caused deep anxiety among border residents.
Border fencing dispute Manipur sparks local unrest
Local civil bodies and student unions have supported the chiefs’ stand, saying the government must address local concerns before continuing the project. They have demanded that any border demarcation must be done with proper consultation involving all affected communities.
Protesters argue that the government’s approach is top-down and lacks sensitivity to the unique border culture. They point out that the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed local residents to travel up to 16 km across the border without a visa, already provided a mechanism for cooperation.
The suspension of FMR earlier this year has added to the fear that the Indo-Myanmar border fence Manipur plan will further isolate the people. Tribal leaders say the region’s delicate social balance could be disturbed if local sentiments are ignored.
Chiefs seek dialogue and recognition
The Kuki-Zo chiefs are not rejecting national security needs but want a fair process. They have asked both the central and state governments to hold open talks with traditional leaders before finalising the fencing alignment.
They also called for a proper survey based on local maps and oral traditions that define village boundaries. According to them, colonial-era maps are outdated and do not reflect real ground situations.
Community elders suggested forming a joint committee of local representatives and government officials to review the fencing route. They believe only dialogue and cooperation can bring a peaceful solution to this border issue.
Government yet to respond
So far, there has been no official statement from the Manipur government regarding the chiefs’ declaration. Sources from the border management department said the project is part of a national plan to prevent illegal migration and smuggling. However, they also admitted that the terrain and population mix make this section of the border particularly sensitive.
Observers note that this is not the first time border communities in the Northeast have resisted fencing. Similar opposition was seen earlier in Mizoram and Nagaland due to overlapping boundaries and shared ethnic ties across Myanmar.
Tribal leaders stand united for fair resolution
The Indo-Myanmar border fence Manipur protest by Kuki-Zo chiefs shows strong unity among the tribal leaders. They insist their movement is peaceful and aims to protect the dignity of their people. Local organisations have started awareness meetings to explain how fencing could affect future generations.
According to them, security should not come at the cost of community rights and identity. They want the government to remember that border residents are the first guardians of the nation, not outsiders.
The declaration of non-cooperation by sixteen Kuki-Zo chiefs has drawn attention to the deep mistrust between local communities and authorities over the border fence project. While the government sees fencing as a step toward better control and safety, border residents view it as a threat to their ancestral lands and unity.
The outcome now depends on whether officials will engage in meaningful dialogue. For lasting peace, both sides need to balance national security with respect for the region’s unique ethnic and cultural ties. Until then, the Indo-Myanmar border fence Manipur issue will remain a point of tension and resistance among the Kuki-Zo people.
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