Halt border fencing, says Myanmar's National Unity Government after Indian troops kill 10 in Manipur

The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar has formally urged India to suspend its ongoing fencing work along the shared border, following a deadly firefight in Manipur’s Chandel district. Ten members of the NUG’s armed wing, the People’s Democratic Organisation (PDO), were shot dead by Indian forces during the clash on 14 May, as reported by TOI.

The NUG, which operates as Myanmar’s anti-junta government-in-exile, criticised the fence construction as “unilateral” and claimed it was taking place “in areas where the boundary remains unresolved”. It further demanded that New Delhi conduct an independent investigation into the incident and provide compensation to the families of the deceased.

What India says: Troops responded to hostile fire

India has defended the actions of its forces, stating that the firefight was triggered by an ambush near a fence construction site along the India–Myanmar border. According to the Defence PRO and spokesperson for Manipur, Nagaland, and Southern Arunachal Pradesh, an Assam Rifles patrol was sanitising the area when it came under heavy automatic fire.


"Clearly, the likely intent of the cadres was to cause severe harm to construction workers or troops of Assam Rifles to deter the fencing work," the spokesperson said, as reported by TOI.

He added that the Indian troops acted “with professionalism and tactical precision” while operating on Indian territory. The soldiers returned fire, killing 10 attackers, and recovered “a huge cache of automatic weapons and other war-like stores”.

NUG denies anti-India motive, calls for dialogue

The NUG has rejected India’s claim that the deceased were hostile elements targeting Indian interests. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group clarified that the fighters “were not insurgents operating against India”. It also called on both countries to work together and improve mutual understanding along the sensitive border region.

The NUG, formed after Myanmar’s military coup in 2021, includes ousted lawmakers, ethnic representatives, and anti-junta groups. Although India has not formally recognised it, the NUG maintains informal contact with Indian officials, particularly in the northeast where cross-border ethnic ties are strong.

A fence that divides more than land

India’s decision to construct a fence along the 1,643-kilometre border with Myanmar is rooted in concerns over insurgency, smuggling, and cross-border movement. However, the project has met with opposition not just from Myanmar’s exiled government, but also from communities on both sides of the border.

Many ethnic groups—such as the Nagas, Kukis, and Chins—have familial, cultural, and linguistic ties that span the border. For these communities, the fence represents not just a geopolitical barrier, but a disruption of centuries-old relationships.

The current phase of fencing, being carried out in Manipur and Mizoram, has become a flashpoint. The firefight of 14 May underscores the fragile and combustible nature of security in this region.

(With inputs from TOI)