Nagaland: RPP Protests Against Central Government's Move to End Free Movement Regime

DIMAPUR: In a significant development, the Rising People’s Party (RPP) in Nagaland has vehemently opposed the central government's proposed termination of the free movement regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border. This regime permits individuals on either side of the border to venture 16 km into each other's territory without the need for a visa. The RPP deems this move as alarming, characterizing it as a wake-up call for the Nagas.

Expressing deep concern, the RPP issued a statement, asserting that the commencement of the New Year has brought ominous news for the tribal states of Northeast and the Naga people. The party disclosed that, in addition to the discontinuation of visa-free travel, the central government plans to construct high-security fencing along the border, a move perceived as exacerbating the existing geographical divisions among the Nagas.

The RPP emphasized its strong opposition to any policy that furthers the divide among the Nagas, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to uphold the longstanding mechanism that allows people across borders to converge and coexist honorably, irrespective of their ethnic identity.

Taking a proactive stance, the party called upon the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)-BJP coalition in the state to vigorously oppose the proposed scrapping of the FMR. The RPP suggested that, if necessary, all 60 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) should collectively convey the strong sentiments of the Naga people to the Prime Minister or the Home Minister, ensuring that the construction of the proposed fencing is unequivocally disallowed.

Highlighting the historical context, the RPP pointed out that various forms of FMR have been in place since the establishment of Nagaland state in 1963, demonstrating a respect for the needs and sentiments of the Naga people residing on both sides of the border. The party emphasized the importance of preserving and upholding these longstanding arrangements.

Furthermore, the RPP criticized the "ineptitude" of Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh and his "communal policies," asserting that they should not serve as excuses for the central government to scrap the FMR. The party recalled a similar proposal by the Burmese junta in 2017 to fence the international border near Pangsha in Noklak district, stating that the plan was abandoned due to vigorous opposition by the local population.

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