The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has expressed serious concerns regarding reports that the government plans to halt fencing along the 1,643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border in Kuki-dominated regions. UCM president YK Dhiren emphasized that addressing the root causes of the ongoing unrest in Manipur is essential for finding a solution.
During a press conference at the UCM office in Imphal, Dhiren welcomed the central government’s approval of ₹31,000 crore for the construction of the border fence. He referred to statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who linked the unrest in Manipur to the porous border that facilitates illegal immigration and the narcotics trade.
However, Dhiren criticized the decision to cease fencing in certain Kuki-dominated areas, which he noted are hotspots for illegal immigration. He stated, “It is unfortunate that the central government has chosen to stop fencing in these sensitive regions,” warning that this could exacerbate the current crisis.
The UCM president also addressed the cancellation of the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR) as a necessary measure to control illegal immigration, which Shah has indicated could lead to demographic imbalances.
Questioning the rationale behind the reported halt to border fencing, Dhiren cautioned that such actions would only worsen the ongoing situation in Manipur. The UCM is calling for the immediate continuation of fencing work, urging authorities to expedite progress except in areas with border disputes.
Additionally, the UCM highlighted discrepancies regarding the reported progress of the fencing project. While Amit Shah claimed that 30 kilometers of the Manipur border had been fenced within 100 days, Dhiren noted that the UCM has only observed the completion of 10 kilometers, with no updates provided on the remaining 20 kilometers.
