Imphal, Aug 19: A delegation from the Zou Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) traveled to Behiang Village in Churachandpur District, Manipur, to express their strong opposition to the construction of the India-Myanmar border fencing. The delegation engaged with representatives from the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), the Assam Rifles, local officials, and the Behiang Village Chief to discuss their concerns.
The Zou CSOs argued that the ancestral lands, preserved by their ancestors, should be respected and that any border fencing project must involve comprehensive consultation with local communities, CSOs, and the Behiang Area Chief Association. They criticized the project for its lack of transparency and its apparent neglect of their fundamental rights.
The delegation urged authorities to reconsider their approach, advocating for a more inclusive dialogue and the suspension of construction until a more participatory framework is in place. They also expressed discontent over the removal of the Forward Movement Road (FMR), viewing it as a violation of the Central “Act East Policy,” which aims to bolster cultural, commercial, and developmental ties along the India-Myanmar border.
Further, the Zou CSOs and local Border Area Chiefs were surprised to find that border fencing projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram had stalled without evident Central Government intervention. They expressed concern that the initiation of fencing in their region might be part of a “hidden agenda” by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Meitei radical groups, potentially undermining their access to the benefits of the “Act East Policy” and economic development.
The Zou CSOs have issued a stern warning to both Central and State Governments, demanding an immediate halt to construction. They vowed to hold the government accountable for any adverse outcomes or conflicts resulting from the project’s continuation, emphasizing their refusal to accept responsibility for any fallout due to government negligence of their rights and interests.
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