The Raphei Wungnao Long (RWL) and the Raphei Chairmen Association (RCA), during their Joint Picnic-cum-Get Together Programme held on 4 February 2026 at Huishu Kong, Huishu Village, Chingai Sub-Division, Ukhrul District, Manipur took an important decision for the welfare of the Raphei region.
Chaired by Qr. Somi Kasomwoshi, Chairman, Raphei Wungnao Long, after due deliberations on issues of critical importance to the Raphei Region, hereby place the following Joint Declarations for information of the general public and as a moral suasion for compliance.
JOINT DECLARATIONS
1. BORDER FENCING
The forum reaffirmed that the Naga people have been residing on both sides of the present Indo-Myanmar international boundary since time immemorial. Any physical border fencing would arbitrarily divide indigenous Naga families, clans and communities.
Such measures infringe upon internationally recognised human rights, including Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), guarantees freedom of movement and residence, and Article 16(3) of the UDHR, which recognises the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society entitled to protection by the State.
Accordingly, the forum, as the apex customary/traditional and civil bodies and guardians of the Raphei Region, unanimously resolves to strongly oppose the construction of border fencing in the Raphei areas by the Government of India, tooth and nail, and instead earnestly appeals to the Government of India to uphold and strengthen the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the international borders, in recognition of historical realities, human rights, and indigenous continuity.
2. POPPY PLANTATION
The forum placed on record its serious concern over the alarming spread of narcotics and illegal poppy cultivation in the Raphei Region and acknowledged its adverse social, economic and moral consequences.
It is resolved to actively cooperate and participate with the State Government and law-enforcing agencies in the fight against narco-terrorism, recognising illegal poppy cultivation as a primary source material sustaining the drug menace.
The forum categorically and steadfastly opposes poppy plantation in all its forms and further appeals to all villages and individuals to extend full cooperation in eradicating poppy cultivation from the region.
3. CONFLICTS AND PEACE
Considering the porous international border with Myanmar and the prevailing regional and global instability marked by wars and conflicts, the forum resolved that complacency would be detrimental to the wellbeing of the people.
In the interest of peace and harmony, the forum hereby declares the Raphei Region as a “Peace Zone” and earnestly appeals to all Naga Political Groups to respect the collective call of the people for peace.
4. DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS
The forum recognised that basic infrastructure development – particularly roads, bridges, power, connectivity and livelihood programmes – forms the foundation for future growth and economic sustenance. Among these, the construction of the double-lane National Highway in the Raphei Region is regarded as the most significant project of the present time, yet its progress has been observed to be unduly slow.
The forum resolved to appeal to the District Administration to expedite and ensure timely completion of the double-lane National Highway project. It further appeals to all individuals and villages to facilitate and cooperate with the concerned authorities and executing agencies so that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe, rather than being obstructed under the guise of disproportionate compensation claims.
The forum also appeals to the concerned authorities not to succumb to undue pressure from individuals or villages, and we further calls upon the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim to intervene, wherever necessary, to help mitigate compensation-related bottlenecks so that they do not stand in the way of the early completion of the much-awaited double-lane National Highway.
In fine, the forum reaffirms its steadfast support to the Indo-Naga Peace Process and the Framework Agreement signed on 3 August 2015, and expresses hope that the spirit and intent of the Agreement will be upheld to ensure an honourable, inclusive and lasting peace and considering the inclusive nature of the forum.
“It is further resolved to continue organising such picnic-cum-meetings and/or consultative gatherings to deliberate on issues confronting the people of the Raphei Region and beyond” stated the press release signed by Yangmi Ruivah, Pro-tem Secretary.
