Fourteen village chiefs from the Indo-Myanmar border areas of Chandel District have issued a joint statement opposing the ongoing border fencing project, declaring that no construction activities will be permitted within their respective jurisdictions.
The chiefs said their decision follows growing pressure and concerns from local villagers over the demarcation work along the Indo-Myanmar frontier, which they claim poses serious implications for their land, identity, and community interests.
“After collective deliberation, we have unanimously decided to oppose and prohibit any continuation of the fencing work within our respective jurisdictions,” the statement read. The signatories warned that if the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) or any concerned authority continues the fencing despite their objections, they “will not be held responsible for any consequences that may arise.”
The chiefs have urged the government and concerned agencies to immediately suspend all construction activities until the Kuki-Zo people attain a Separate Administration from the state of Manipur, a political demand that has been at the heart of ongoing unrest and negotiations in the region.
Ever since the violent clashes broke out on May 2023, the Meitei and the Kuki community have been living seperately in the state of Manipur. The Kuki-Zo community have been calling for a separate administration, a political demand which has gained ground post the violence.
