Aoshingang Jamir
Senior Citizen, Mokokchung
The much talked Indo-Myanmar border fencing is a serious question for the Nagas. Traditionally Naga's territory extends upto the Chindwin River bordering Burma. It is regretted to mention here that in 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India and Burma's then Prime Minister U Nu met in Kohima on 30th March 1953 and took the radical decision to set an imaginary boundary line. However, it is my understanding that none of the Nagas or any other organizations opposed the imaginary boundary line set by the two Prime Ministers. It is pertinent to say that it was all done by both the countries without the knowledge and consent of the Nagas. It is high time for all the Naga people and respective social organizations to vehemently oppose the proposed Indo-Myanmar boundary fencing. Additionally, the state government led by the Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio should take the responsibility and initiative to pass a strong resolution of opposition in the legislative assembly and convey the same opposition to the government of India not to fence Indo-Myanmar boundary alongside of Nagaland.
Indeed, we are not seriously concerned about the other states like Manipur and Mizoram border fencing with Myanmar. The right-thinking Nagas must understand that the area of Naga's land within Indian states like Manipur-Naga, Assam-Naga, Nagaland, Arunachal-Naga etc. together about 50,000 sq.km. whereas the area of Burma-Naga consists about 90,000 sq.km.
Since the Nagas are divided by artificial boundary by the foreigners without the consent and knowledge of the Nagas, we must understand that the living people of Naga-Burma are Nagas as well and the land itself belongs to the Nagas. So there is no way to divide Naga's land and its people and we must strive to unite Naga family.
There may be political solution or no solution in the future with India but Naga's land cannot be divided and Nagas must reject Indo-Burma boundary. The State government and different factions of Naga National workers should come and unite in one voice opposing Indo-Myanmar border fencing and should convey our opposition to the government of India.
