Pangsha CSOs condemn Imkong L Imchen’s remark on scrapping FMR
NOKLAK, MAY 2 (MExN): The Pangsha civil society organizations have condemned the remarks made by Imkong L Imchen, Advisor for I&PR, Soil & Water Conservation supporting the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Responding to the remarks made by the IPR Advisor on April 30, the Pangsha Public Organization and the All Pangsha Students’ Union said Imchen’s opinion fail to consider the nuanced complexities of border dynamics and the impact it would have on the lives of ordinary people and demonstrates a lack of empathy and understanding for those who rely on cross-border movement for their livelihood and social well-being.
“With the removal of FMR would not only disrupt the lives of countless individuals but also undermine the longstanding cultural, social, and economic ties that exist between communities on both sides of the border,” the Pangsha CSOs pointed out.
While urging Imchen to instead work towards enhancing the existing mechanisms for border management while safeguarding the rights and interest of border communities, the Pangsha CSOs averred that any decisions regarding border policies must be made with careful consideration of their implications and in consultation with all stakeholders involved.
The Pangsh CSOs recalled that during 1970-1971, while consigning B/Pillar No 139 to 146 between India and Myanmar as imaginary line in Khiamniungan land, the community were not consulted or intimated on it “which undermine the democratic rights of the indigenous people and deprived of the ownership of land,” adding that “It was an undisclosed covert act.”
In 1996, the people of Pangsha contributed 535 acres of land with the hope of development and the foundation of International Trade Centre at Dan was laid. However, in 2018, ITC Dan was dissected at the centre by cutting off the land for 3 (three kilometers) and destroying the infrastructures constructed during the inception such as water pipelines, asphalted roads and helipad. Since then it has been left unattended, it added.
The Pangsha CSOs also said the marketing shed and guesthouse now falls beyond the imaginary line and whereas public ground, four staff quarters and hostel area of the Straightway Mission School and many other public domain and properties are completely divided by the artificial boundary.
It also stated that there are permanent reserved forests of Pangsha village which goes far beyond the imaginary line adjoining to the neighboring village of ‘Woilan’ Kingphu, under Myanmar. It also informed that Pangsha’s land measuring an approximate 3500 acres falls under Myanmar beyond the so-called Imaginary boundary line.
Highlighting these, the Pangsha CSOs has urged the Advisor to reflect on the impact of his words and take responsibility for the unfathomable statement disseminated.
Furthermore, it also encouraged the Advisor to seek out credible sources and educate on the subject matter before making any further public statement. It hoped that the Advisor will exercise greater caution and diligence in his communication, recognizing the importance of accuracy and integrity in fostering constructive dialogue for the benefit of the Nagas within and beyond the border.
Imchen’s statement seek to prevent Nagas from uniting
The Nokhu Range Public Organization (NRPO) and Nokhu Range Students’ Union (NRSU) said the ‘ignorant and immature’ statement made by Imkong L Imchen, Advisor, Information & Public Relations, Soil & Water Conservation in the public domain for sealing of Indo-Myanmar border could potentially lead to the separation of close relatives and families and exacerbate communal tensions in the region.
It sought to point out that communities like the Konyak, Khiamniungan, Yimkhiung and Tihkir, among others, have brethren residing across the border. “For instance, the Khiamniungan Nagas inhabit more than 160 villages on the other side, facing immense challenges due to the arbitrary division created by the border, hampering our shared endeavour towards unity and solidarity,” the NPRO and NRSU in a joint communiqué stated.
It termed as disheartening to witness a prominent leader from “within our own fold against our common aspirations, swayed by external influences that seek to prevent Nagas from uniting under a common umbrella of solidarity.”
“Instead of representing the true voice of the Nagas, such individuals have become mere mouthpieces for his benefactors, causing harm to our society and compromising our inherent freedom. This misguided allegiance not only damages our sense of unity but also fosters ignorance among our own brothers and sisters,” it stated.
Despite being united as Nagas, we find ourselves increasingly estranged from one another due to these divisions sown by ignorance of our shared origins, the communiqué said. All right thinking Naga citizens expect genuine concern for shared future rather than stumbling blocks and creating isms among us, it added.
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