Zou civil society organizations in Manipur have issued a call for the immediate cessation of construction activities along the India-Myanmar border. The organizations, representing the Zou community, expressed their concerns over the ongoing construction, citing potential adverse impacts on their traditional land and cultural heritage.
In a joint statement, the Zou civil society organizations emphasized the need for a thorough review of the border construction projects. They argued that the current activities are being carried out without proper consultation with the local communities, which could lead to significant disruptions in their way of life.
The organizations further highlighted that the border construction might exacerbate tensions in the region, which has already been affected by ethnic conflicts. They urged the authorities to consider the socio-cultural implications of the construction and to engage in dialogue with the affected communities.
The Zou civil society groups have also sought the intervention of both the Manipur state government and the central government to address their concerns and ensure that any future development projects are implemented with the consent and participation of the local population.
The call for a halt to the border construction comes amid ongoing disputes in the region, where the delineation of the border has been a contentious issue. The Zou community, which resides in the border areas, has expressed fears that the construction could lead to further marginalization and loss of their ancestral lands.
The authorities have yet to respond to the demands made by the Zou civil society organizations.
