Imphal: A proposed adjustment to the India-Myanmar boundary in Manipur’s Chandel district has raised concerns that around 1.4 square miles of territory could potentially fall on the Myanmar side, putting several villages at risk of displacement.
The proposed realignment concerns the area between border pillars 65 and 68, along an approximately 2.8-km stretch adjoining Myanmar’s Sagaing Region.
The development comes as the Centre moves ahead with efforts to complete boundary demarcation and strengthen fencing along the 1,643-km India-Myanmar border. The measures are aimed at restricting cross-border movement by insurgent groups, illegal immigration and trafficking.
According to official documents reviewed by The Diplomat, the area under consideration extends roughly three kilometres into the region and includes several settlements.
Villages and localities including Molcham, Khengjang, Yangoulen, Khongkot, Changpol, New Changpol, SL Changpol and Joldam are located within the proposed alignment.
The possible adjustment has created uncertainty among residents over the future of their homes and land. Some fear that their settlements could fall across the international boundary, while others may have to relocate further inside Indian territory.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that discussions on unresolved sections of the India-Myanmar boundary are continuing as part of broader diplomatic engagement under India’s Act East policy.
The proposal has also faced opposition from civil society organisations in Manipur. Groups including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and Kuki civil society organisations have called for transparency and consultation before any changes are made on the ground.
Stakeholders have demanded that the state government and affected communities be formally consulted and that adequate socio-economic safeguards be put in place for residents before any territorial realignment is implemented.