Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Naga Groups Object to India-Myanmar Border Fence
India is building a fence on its border with Myanmar to stop bad things from happening.
The fence is very expensive, costing a lot of money.
Some people, like the Naga people, are not happy because they used to be able to cross the border easily.
They worry it will hurt their way of life and make it harder to visit family.
The government says the fence will help stop smuggling, bad people, and drugs from crossing the border.
People are protesting because they want to keep the old rules where they could cross the border freely.
India is building a fence along its border with Myanmar, costing over Rs 31,000 crore.
Naga organizations in Manipur oppose the fence and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
The FMR allowed border residents to travel 16 km into each other's territory without visas.
The fence aims to curb illegal activities like smuggling, human trafficking, and armed group movement.
Naga groups are protesting the border fence and demanding the FMR's restoration.
- Who
- The Indian government, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and Naga organizations in Manipur.
- What
- India is constructing a border fence with Myanmar.
- When
- Construction is underway; the project will take a decade.
- Where
- Along the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border, primarily in Manipur.
- Why
- To enhance security, control illegal activities, and manage border movement.
Naga Organizations/Local Communities
Indian Government/Security Officials
Impact on Communities
Naga Organizations/Local Communities
The fencing and scrapping of FMR threaten cultural and traditional rights of indigenous communities.
Indian Government/Security Officials
The fence aims to control illegal activities, not restrict civilian movement.
Border Movement
Naga Organizations/Local Communities
The FMR facilitated connectivity, trade, and interpersonal relationships.
Indian Government/Security Officials
Gates with biometric systems will enable cross-border movement while maintaining security.
- Fence Cost
- Over Rs 20,000 crore
- Road Construction Cost
- Rs 11,000 crore
- Border Length
- 1,643 km
- Electric Fencing
- 300 km
- Displaced People in Manipur
- Over 60,000
- Drugs Seized (6-7 months)
- Rs 1,125 crore