Manipur’s Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has told the state Assembly that 55 kilometres of fencing have been completed along the 398‑km border with Myanmar, with the entire stretch targeted for completion by 2028. Speaking on 2 September, Konthoujam stressed that the project is a vital security measure, aimed at curbing arms smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal immigration across the porous frontier. He acknowledged delays due to the difficulty of transporting construction materials into remote border areas, but insisted progress was being made. The minister identified the stretch between border pillars 75 and 79 in the Moreh sector as particularly sensitive. He also addressed speculation about a possible land swap with Myanmar, saying the state government had received no communication from the Ministry of External Affairs on the matter. “The people of Manipur remain opposed to any loss of territory,” he said, adding that residents would be consulted before any decision was taken. Konthoujam’s remarks came in response to questions from opposition MLAs, who raised concerns about both border security and justice for victims of recent violence. He confirmed that four arrests had been made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the killing of six Nagas, and that investigations were continuing. Since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in May 2023, Manipur has registered 9,647 cases, with over 3,000 under investigation by Special Investigation Teams. Thirty‑two cases have been handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation, while 29 are with the NIA. The minister said this was necessary to restore trust between communities, particularly Meitei, Kuki and Naga groups. Additional security forces have been deployed across the state, and zoning maps for landslide‑prone areas are being used to strengthen local resilience. Konthoujam insisted the government was committed to maintaining law and order despite Manipur’s challenging terrain. The fencing project, though technical in nature, carries strong political weight. For many in Manipur, it symbolises both protection against cross‑border crime and reassurance that the state’s territory will not be compromised. With the government aiming to finish the job within two years, the border remains a frontline issue in India’s northeast. -2026-09-04
