As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Manipur on September 13 approaches, the state is once again witnessing heightened tensions. The Union government has claimed that it reached an 'understanding' with Kuki groups over the issue of free movement, but another serious challenge has emerged. The United Naga Council (UNC), which holds influence in Naga-dominated areas, has announced a 'trade embargo' from September 8 to protest the construction of the India-Myanmar border fence and the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
If the situation is not addressed immediately, it could disrupt essential supplies entering the Imphal Valley, as many lifeline highways pass through Naga areas. The government now faces the difficult task of balancing peace with both Kukis and Nagas while preparing for the Prime Minister’s arrival.
Naga embargo threatens highway movement
The UNC’s decision is a significant blow to the administration. National Highway-2 (NH-2), which connects Imphal to Dimapur, runs through Senapati district, a Naga stronghold. This route, along with highways passing through Ukhrul and Tamenglong, is crucial for transporting goods and supplies into the Valley.
By calling for a trade embargo, the UNC has sent a warning that the Nagas are deeply unhappy with New Delhi’s approach. Any blockade or arson on these highways could lead to severe shortages in the Valley and spark fresh law-and-order problems.
Kukis dispute govt’s claim
Meanwhile, another controversy has surfaced with the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently stated that NH-2 had been “reopened” for free movement. But Kuki leaders strongly objected, saying this claim was misleading.
According to Ginza Vualzong, secretary of information and publicity of KZC, the highway was never closed in the first place. He stressed that commuters and goods have always been able to use NH-2, and the government’s reference to a “reopening” created a false impression.
Govt’s efforts to manage the situation
To handle the unrest in Naga areas or disruption of supplies in the Valley, the government has asked A K Mishra, a former Additional Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), to step in, according to the Indian Express report.
Mishra has been engaged in peace negotiations with both Kuki and Naga groups for some time. Along with IB Joint Director Rajesh Kamble, he has been holding talks with Kuki militant groups since June and was instrumental in arriving at the recent understanding with them. Mishra, who also serves as the government’s advisor on Northeast affairs, will now focus on defusing tensions with the Nagas.
Why Nagas are angry
The root of the current crisis lies in the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime and the push for border fencing along the India-Myanmar boundary.
In meetings with MHA officials last month, Naga leaders repeated their demand to stop construction of the border fence in their areas and to restore the FMR, which had been suspended in February 2024. When they did not receive a positive response, the UNC escalated its agitation by announcing the trade embargo.
In an official statement, the UNC accused the government of showing an ‘indifferent attitude’ towards Naga concerns. It said the fencing and suspension of the FMR threatened Naga identity, land, and cultural ties across the border. “We hereby announce that a trade embargo shall be enforced in all Naga areas from midnight of September 8 until further notice,” the statement read.
What was the Free Movement Regime?
The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allowed residents living along the India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km across the boundary without a visa. This arrangement recognised the cultural and family ties that exist across the border, particularly among Kukis and Nagas.
However, while these communities supported the FMR, many Meiteis in the Imphal Valley strongly opposed it. They argued that the open border encouraged illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and smuggling, which worsened ethnic tensions in the state.
On February 8, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the FMR was being scrapped to protect India’s internal security and preserve the demographic balance of the Northeast. He said the Ministry of External Affairs was working on the formal process of abolition, but the MHA had already ordered its immediate suspension.
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