The entire idea of fixing the Indo-Myanmar fringe has stirred the Naga people and their communities and has hurt their sentiments. There is a strong outrage in Nagaland due to this decision.
On the other hand, the Indian government hopes that the 1,643 km border fencing will put an end to the cross-border crime, smuggling of goods, arms and counterfeit Indian currency smug, drug trafficking, and insurgency.
But then why are the Naga’s agitated on the decision of Indo-Myanmar border fencing?
The Indo-Myanmar imaginary border was never acknowledged by the Naga inhabitants living along the borders as they acquired this land from their ancestors. Raising a fringe fence would stir more issues and oppositions from the ethnic groups because of its chronological linkages, and components.
Indo-Myanmar Friendship Road, Nagaland
With no legitimate investigation of the fringe, the Nagas living between the borders will face difficulties and thus making the issue more complicated.
Over 3000 families and 20,000 villagers of the Naga, Mizo, Manipuri and Arunachali tribes living around the fringes will be influenced by border fencing by the Center.
Even the cross-border developments of extremists, illegal firearm traders and drug paddler along the international border with Myanmar won’t be counteracted by this 10-km fencing.
So the fencing of this international boundary will not only divide the houses and villages but will also create partitions between the Naga communities by dislocating their families.
