A complete shutdown of government offices and banks was enforced in Manipur’s Senapati district on Monday as Naga student bodies launched a two-day protest against the Centre’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and erect border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar frontier. The Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), in coordination with its federating units—Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal, and Zeliangrong student unions—locked down key administrative buildings including the Deputy Commissioner’s office, DRDA, ADC, and local branches of major banks such as SBI, UCO, PNB, IDBI, and CBI.
The protest was held in solidarity with the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), as part of a coordinated campaign in the Naga hill districts. Protest banners with slogans like “Nagas are One — No Fencing In Between” and “Reinstate FMR” were prominently displayed. SDSA clarified that the agitation was peaceful and democratic, aimed at protecting the cultural and territorial integrity of the Naga people. “We strongly oppose the border fencing and FMR rollback, which divide our ancestral land and undermine our identity,” the association stated.
Addressing the media from Tamenglong, the ANSAM president accused the Indian government of backtracking on its commitments under the Framework Agreement. He appealed to international bodies like the United Nations and UNPO to take note. The protest was also backed by the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women’s Union, and several tribal organizations. Leaders said peaceful resistance would continue until the Naga people’s rights and history are acknowledged and respected.
