Village heads in Manipur's Chandel district, which lies along the Indo-Myanmar border, are vehemently opposing the ongoing border fencing project, demanding an immediate halt to all construction activities. Fourteen village chiefs from the region have issued a joint statement asserting that no further construction will be permitted within their jurisdictions.
The village chiefs cite increasing apprehension among local villagers regarding the border demarcation efforts. They argue that the fencing project poses a significant threat to the land, identity, and community interests of the border residents. The chiefs collectively stated, "After thorough deliberation, we have unanimously resolved to oppose and prohibit any continuation of the fencing project within our jurisdictions".
The village chiefs have cautioned that the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) or any concerned authority will be held responsible for any consequences that may arise if construction continues despite their objections. They are urging the government and relevant agencies to cease all border construction activities until the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people is addressed. This long-standing political issue continues to fuel tensions and negotiations in the region.
This coordinated stance by the village chiefs underscores the deep-seated local opposition to the border fencing initiative. Many fear that the project could alter traditional village boundaries and divide families and communities living along the international border. The Indo-Myanmar border region in Chandel, home to several Kuki-Zo settlements, has seen rising unrest over the demarcation drive, with residents arguing that it threatens their ancestral lands and cross-border cultural ties.
The demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people has been a central issue, particularly since the eruption of violent clashes in May 2023. Since then, the Meitei and Kuki communities have largely lived separately in Manipur, with the Kuki-Zo community increasingly calling for political autonomy. The village chiefs are now linking this demand directly to the border fencing project, insisting that construction remain suspended until their political aspirations are met.
