1. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio stresses the need for thorough discussions on the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border.
2. Rio emphasizes the importance of consulting the people and finding a workable formula, considering the complexities of the shared Nagas community.
3. The Nagaland government, led by Rio, plans to engage with other northeastern states sharing the Myanmar border before approaching the Centre on this issue.
Kohima, Jan 27: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed the need for in-depth discussions before implementing the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border.
Rio emphasized the importance of consulting the people and developing a formula to address the concerns of those living on both sides of the border, particularly considering the shared Nagas community.
He highlighted the complexities, such as people residing on the Indian side with their farms across the border, necessitating a workable solution.
As an ally of the BJP, Chief Minister Rio stressed the importance of formulating an effective strategy to prevent infiltration while considering the unique geographical and community-related aspects of Nagaland’s border with Myanmar.
He acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that balances security concerns with the interests of the local population.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced the government’s plan to end the free movement of people across the India-Myanmar border, emphasizing the implementation of a complete fence for enhanced protection, similar to the border with Bangladesh.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton stated that the Nagaland government would engage in discussions with other northeastern states sharing the Myanmar border before approaching the Centre to convey their concerns.
The decision to fence the border has faced opposition from various quarters, including Naga civil society organizations and the NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah), citing concerns about the potential division of the Naga community residing on both sides of the border.
The opposition underscores the need for a nuanced and inclusive approach that considers the cultural and social ties between Nagas on either side.
The Nagaland government, through consultations and discussions with stakeholders, aims to convey the unique challenges and perspectives associated with the India-Myanmar border in the northeastern region.
