Lecture on Border Communities and Ethnic Belonging Across India-Myanmar Border

The Department of Public Administration, Assam Don Bosco University (Tapesia Campus), organized an online lecture on 20th March 2025 on the topic “Border Communities and Ethnic Belonging Across India-Myanmar Border.”

The lecture was delivered by Prof. V. Bijukumar, Chairperson, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. The session began with an introduction by Ms. Baiaiphyrnai Nongkhlaw, followed by a welcome note and thematic overview of the lecture. Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. (Fr.) James Chacko, Deputy Registrar & Director, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

In his lecture, Prof. Bijukumar highlighted how political borders often divide historically connected communities. He discussed the India-Myanmar border, which stretches across states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland, separating ethnic groups that share cultural, linguistic, and historical ties.

The lecture focused on communities such as the Chins in Myanmar and the Mizos in India, emphasizing how policies like the Free Movement Regime (FMR) have helped maintain cross-border connections. At the same time, concerns were raised regarding recent proposals to fence the border and discontinue FMR, which may impact long-standing cultural relationships and local livelihoods.

The session provided a nuanced understanding of the challenges in balancing national security with cultural continuity and identity. The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants discussed the broader implications of border policies on communities.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Kalita. The event witnessed active participation from students, research scholars, and faculty members across departments, making it a meaningful academic engagement.