Kuki Chiefs Oppose Border Fencing, Re-Demarcation of Indo-Myanmar Border; Seek CM's Intervention

The Kuki Chief Association, Khengjoi Block, has strongly objected to the proposed fencing and re-demarcation of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) in Manipur's Khengjoi sector, alleging that the exercise could displace several indigenous Kuki villages, homes and farmlands located on the Indian side of the international boundary.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur, the association expressed concern over the Centre's reported decision to complete the border demarcation within three months, following a meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister on May 11, 2026. According to the memorandum, the proposed alignment is based on a 2017 proposal of the Ministry of External Affairs, which includes the realignment of Boundary Pillars (BPs) 65, 66 and 67.

The association claimed that the proposed alignment does not reflect the existing ground position that has long been occupied by indigenous Kuki communities. It warned that the new alignment could place established villages, residential areas and ancestral agricultural lands either on the boundary line or beyond the proposed border fence.

The affected villages identified in the memorandum include Molcham and Khengjang villages near BP-65, Phaisenjang/Jangngoulen village near BP-66, and Khumkot village near BP-67.

Describing the land as ancestral homesteads, jhum cultivation areas, wet-rice fields, burial grounds and customary community lands, the association said any alteration of the boundary without considering the actual ground situation would dispossess Indian citizens of their homes and livelihoods.

The Kuki Chief Association also opposed what it described as a hurried implementation of the project without adequate ground verification or consultation with the affected villages, traditional chiefs and Kuki representative bodies. It argued that an earlier 1980 proposal had accepted the existing ground positions, while the 2017 proposal introduced changes without the knowledge or consent of the local inhabitants.

The memorandum urged the State Government to immediately take up the issue with the Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs, seek a review of the proposed alignment affecting BPs 65, 66 and 67, and ensure that border fencing follows the existing ground position to prevent displacement of villages and farmlands.

The association further demanded a joint ground verification involving the district administration, village authorities and the Kuki Chief Association before any boundary pillars are shifted or fencing work begins. It also called upon the government to ensure that no Kuki village, dwelling house or agricultural land belonging to Indian citizens is left beyond the proposed border fence.

Reaffirming its loyalty to the Union of India and commitment to safeguarding the international border, the association stated that national security should not come at the cost of uprooting indigenous frontier communities who have long inhabited and protected the border region. It appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene urgently to safeguard the rights and interests of the affected population.