All-party team from Nagaland to meet Amit Shah over cultural, political concerns regarding FMR removal and border fencing plans.
In a major political development, an all-party delegation led by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to raise concerns over the unresolved Naga political issue, the Centre’s decision to revoke the Free Movement Regime (FMR), and the contentious border fencing along the India-Myanmar border.
The visit, which is currently being scheduled, follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 7, expressing deep concern over recent decisions by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that are likely to impact the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Naga communities living along the international border.
“The Chief Minister has already sought an appointment with the Union Home Minister. The delegation will convey the collective sentiment of the people of Nagaland, as endorsed by the Assembly and the state cabinet”
A senior minister from Nagaland confirmed the proposed meeting, stating, “The Chief Minister has already sought an appointment with the Union Home Minister. The delegation will convey the collective sentiment of the people of Nagaland, as endorsed by the Assembly and the state cabinet.” The minister declined to be named but stressed the urgency and importance of the dialogue.
Naga Political Issue Still Unresolved
At the heart of the visit lies the decades-old Naga political issue, which remains unresolved despite years of negotiations between the Government of India and various Naga groups. The Chief Minister has consistently underscored the need for a lasting and inclusive settlement that reflects the aspirations of the Naga people.
The most recent round of discussions between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) was held in Dimapur on February 21, 2025. The MHA’s Advisor for the Northeast, A.K. Mishra, met with NSCN-IM General Secretary and chief negotiator Thuingaleng Muivah, where both parties agreed to resume formal talks soon. Mishra also met separately with the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), a coalition of seven Naga outfits that signed an “Agreed Position” with the Centre in 2017.
Border Fencing and FMR: A Cultural and Humanitarian Concern
The other critical issues the delegation will address are the Centre’s plans to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and to install fencing along the India-Myanmar border. The FMR allows residents of border villages within 16 kilometers on either side to cross the international boundary without a visa—a practice rooted in centuries-old ethnic, familial, and cultural ties.
In 2024, the Union Home Ministry announced its intent to discontinue the FMR, replacing it with a regulated pass system applicable to residents within 10 kilometers of the border. This move has been met with stiff opposition from tribal communities in Nagaland and Mizoram, as well as several political parties and civil society organizations.
Chief Minister Rio, speaking in the Assembly, warned that restricting movement would not only fracture age-old ties between Naga communities on either side of the border but also disrupt their socio-economic way of life. “The government’s decision risks severing a lifeline that has bound our people together for generations,” he said during the session.
Opposition in the Northeast
Nagaland is not alone in its resistance. Mizoram has also strongly opposed both the proposed border fencing and the revocation of the FMR. Together with Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, these states share a 1,643-kilometer unfenced border with Myanmar—terrain that is not only ethnically interconnected but also geopolitically sensitive.
While the central government has justified fencing the border to curb cross-border smuggling, arms trafficking, and insurgent movement—allocating ₹31,000 crore for the project—state governments and local communities argue that the move lacks cultural sensitivity and threatens the fragile peace in the region.
Unanimous Political Will for Dialogue
The all-party delegation enjoys full support from across the political spectrum in Nagaland. The Assembly resolutions passed on March 1, 2024, and earlier cabinet decisions on February 8, 2024, and January 6, 2025, reflect a rare unanimity among legislators on matters affecting Naga identity and autonomy.
The upcoming meeting with Amit Shah is expected to serve as a crucial platform to highlight the concerns of the Naga people and advocate for a policy shift that takes into account the complex realities of life in the border areas.
As the delegation prepares for the talks, hopes remain high that the central government will consider the unique cultural, historical, and political context of Nagaland and its neighbors—ensuring that national security does not come at the cost of ethnic harmony and regional trust.
