BJP's key northeastern ally NDPP says - "Govt of India must allow the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to continue and cease construction of border fences

NDPP strongly believes that the Government of India must allow the FMR to continue and cease the construction of border fences.  

The NDPP appeals to the Government of India to reconsider its decision to abolish the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) and to urgently halt the construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border. 

Within the traditional borders, recognized for generations that spans across India and Myanmar,Nagas have, since time immemorial, lived and moved freely without any restrictions or interference. 

NDPP - Power centre CM Neiphiu Rio 

The removal of the FMR and the erection of border fences could adversely affect our State’s delicate situation and impede ongoing Indo-Naga political talks—potentially leading to civil unrest and deteriorating law and order. 

Therefore, the NDPP strongly believes that the Government of India must allow the FMR to continue and cease the construction of border fences. 

The party said in its Resolution adopted at the general convention of the party. 

On the Naga political issue and pending talks, the NDPP called upon all Naga National Political Groups to heed the voices and aspirations of the people and to unite in achieving our common goal of achieving a negotiated political settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue. 

"The NDPP urges all negotiating parties especially the Government of India, to ensure and expedite a final settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue—one that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive of all stakeholders, and one that upholds and honours the rights and history of the Naga people. 

This settlement is essential for establishing lasting peace and ensuring comprehensive progress for Nagaland and the Naga people," said the party which is BJP's ally and a key NDA constituent since its inception. 

Chingwang Konyak, NDPP president

The NDPP was floated in 2017 on the eve of 2018 assembly elections in the state. NDPP was BJP ally in 2018 and 2023 polls. 

In 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the NDPP embarrassed itself and also the Lotus party after it could not win the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland.

 Worse, the seat went to the Congress nominee and state unit chief Supongmeren Jamir. The Congress could not win single assembly seat in 2018 and 2023 assembly elections.  

The border between India and Myanmar runs through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision to build a fence along the 1,643-km border in February 2024. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the construction of the fence later in September 2024. 

The decision to fence the border has been opposed by the Assemblies of Mizoram and Nagaland. Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh was a strong proponent of border fencing.

The Free Movement Regime (FMR) was suspended in February 2024, but the rules and regulations have been strengthened. 

The range of free movement has been reduced from 16 km to 10 km. 

Border passes are to be be issued for cross-border movement. 

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