KOHIMA: The upcoming budget session of the Nagaland assembly is poised to delve into crucial discussions regarding the proposed fencing of the India-Myanmar border and the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with the neighbouring country.
Various civil society organizations in Nagaland, alongside tribal bodies and the NSCN-IM, have strongly criticized the central government’s decision.
Notably, Nagaland shares 215 km of the India-Myanmar international border.
The CSOs in Nagaland contend that such measures would effectively ‘divide’ the Nagas residing on both sides of the border, impacting their livelihoods adversely.
Many individuals in border areas possess farmlands across the border, rendering these measures disruptive and detrimental.
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Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has underscored the importance of thorough discussions on this matter, emphasizing the necessity for the government to consult with the people and devise a viable solution before proceeding with implementation.
Sources within the Nagaland assembly have revealed that the five-day budget session, commencing on February 26, will prioritize deliberations on the border fencing and Free Movement Regime (FMR) issues, considering them as “matters of urgent public importance”.
The session will kick off with Nagaland governor La Ganesan delivering an address to the 60-member House, followed by the Nagaland chief minister’s budget presentation on February 27.
Earlier, on January 26, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio stressed the necessity of extensive discussions before implementing the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border.