KOHIMA: In the wake of Mizoram’s recent opposition to Centre’s border fencing proposal along the India-Myanmar border, Nagaland has chosen a cautious approach, opting to consult with other Northeastern states before making a decision.
Two days after Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma voiced opposition to the fencing, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton stressed on the importance of collaborative decision-making among the Northeastern states to address concerns related to the international border.
“We will be discussing the matter (fencing the border) with other Northeast states and approach the Centre on the Union government’s decision to seal the Indo-Myanmar border,” he told a national news agency.
Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma added that the state aims to convey its views on border management and the free movement regime (FMR).
Sharma highlighted the dual objective of better regulating the Indo-Myanmar border for national security, while respecting the sentiments of the people residing along the border.
However, Nagaland is widely believed to be in opposition to the Centre’s initiative.
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During a visit to Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s residence in Aizawl on January 8, Patton had reportedly expressed that the proposed fencing of the international border contradicts the desires of the Naga people.
Highlighting the intricate living situations of the Naga community, a significant number of whom reside on the Myanmar side of the border, Patton had asserted that the Nagas vehemently reject any proposal for border fencing.
He had also stressed on the unity shared by the Nagas and the Mizos on this particular issue.
Meanwhile, Lalduhoma, reiterating his opposition during a press meet on January 21, had stressed on the historical context of the border’s creation during British rule.
He had argued that the Mizo people on both sides of the border do not acknowledge its legitimacy, pointing to ethnic ties with the Chin community in Myanmar.
Lalduhoma revealed discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Delhi, where both leaders reportedly did not oppose his appeal regarding the matter.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the issue on January 20, had highlighted the need to secure the India-Myanmar border, drawing parallels with the border situation with Bangladesh.
The issue has sparked a wider debate involving the Centre and several Northeastern states, highlighting the need to strike a careful balance between security concerns and local feelings.
