The Kuki-Zo Council on Monday urged the local authorities and CSOs to take decisive action and halt any further construction activity related to the border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district.
The Council condemns the repeated attempts by the Central government to construct border fencing in Tengnoupal district, stated a release.
The Central government has continued with this “controversial initiative” despite strong opposition from all indigenous tribal bodies of the border states including Nagaland and Mizoram, it said. Such actions are seen as a violation of international laws and the rights of the “indigenous communities residing in the border areas,” it added.
It is crucial that a united front is presented to resist such actions that disregard the rights and well-being of the people, it mentioned. The Council remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the interests and rights of the Kuki-Zo people and stands ready to collaborate with like-minded organisations to thwart any further attempts to construct border fencing along the Indo Myanmar border, it stated.
The Council believes that the construction of the border fencing not only violates international laws but also threatens the cultural and socio-economic fabric of the communities along the border, it said. It is imperative that the local authorities take a stand against such intrusive measures that undermine the rights and autonomy of the “indigenous populations,” it further stated.
The Council calls for solidarity and support from all stakeholders involved in light of the detrimental impact that the construction of border fencing may have on the communities,” it added.
