Imphal, July 12, 2025: In a strong assertion of indigenous rights, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) on Friday submitted a detailed memorandum to Manipur Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, warning that the ongoing Indo-Myanmar border fencing poses a serious threat to the unity and identity of the Naga people.
Led by TNL President Sword Vashum, the delegation met the Governor at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, and reiterated long-standing concerns over the fencing project, which they termed a "colonial relic" that divides the Naga homeland across international lines.
“This fencing is not just about territory; it is about identity,” the memorandum stated. “It slices through Naga land and seeks to divide our people who share the same blood, history, and culture.”
The TNL cautioned that the fencing project would be met with uncompromising resistance from the Naga community. It also accused the state government of using the border fencing as a cover-up for its failure to prevent the ethnic violence of May 2023, calling the project an “alibi for failed governance.”
Demands on Delimitation, ADC Reforms, and Budget Bifurcation
In addition to border concerns, the memorandum addressed three other critical issues:
1. Delimitation Disparities:
TNL argued that the current Assembly seat distribution is grossly unequal. Hill MLAs represent an average of 78,000 people across rugged terrain, compared to 43,000 people per valley MLA in more accessible areas. TNL called for a new delimitation formula giving due weight to geography and population, proposing that 35 out of 60 seats be reserved for hill districts—22 for Nagas, 13 for Kuki-Chins.
2. Autonomous District Council (ADC) Elections:
Highlighting that ADCs have been non-functional for 26 of the past 51 years, including the ongoing gap since 2020, TNL stated that the councils have become “political instruments of tribal subjugation.” The body demanded that future ADC elections be held only with a written commitment to implement Sixth Schedule status within one year. Failing that, they warned, participation in such elections would be withdrawn.
3. Budget Bifurcation:
TNL urged the Governor to implement a separate financial structure for hill and valley regions, as per the Presidential Order of June 20, 1972. It stated that the lack of bifurcation has led to corruption, neglect, and widespread deprivation in tribal areas.
Constitutional Appeal
TNL emphasized that all demands were within the framework of the Indian Constitution and urged immediate action. It warned that continued delay or silence could force the community into confrontation, a path they said they were eager to avoid.
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The meeting was attended by the Commissioner (Law), Government of Manipur, and the Governor assured the delegation that their grievances would receive appropriate attention.
Raj Bhavan Manipur later confirmed the meeting on X, stating that President Sword Vashum and the TNL delegation had submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur.
