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STASNOV PATROLS INTERRUPTING TRADITIONAL NONGOR MIGRATIONS LEADING TO TENSIONS AT BORDER
By Ma Boošeng - August 21, 2021
Reports have emerged from Tangguria's border with Stasnov that several migratory families of Nongor, Barga, and Orhun ethnicities have been harassed when crossing the border, part of their traditional migrations that have remained uninterrupted for thousands of years. Tangguria's border with Stasnov is usually porous, with checkpoints only along major roads and crossings. This ease of access is part of an agreement that was signed in the 1980s between Tangguria and Stasnov to recognise the rights of nomadic peoples to move across the border unmolested, which has survived the fall of the Tanggu People's Republic and the return of democracy.
Baidu Ganbataar, one of the travellers accosted, spoke about what he saw to the Mukdembi Post. He had just finished crossing the border with his family, setting up camp along a small river. Around dusk, several Stasnovan vehicles arrived filled with soldiers, who demanded that they are a migratory clan. When Ganbataar and his family provided their registration, the Stasnovan guards were rude and accusative, accusing the registration of being falsified before contacting their superiors. After several hours, during which guns were pointed at Ganbataar's family, he was told he was free to go, but that he and his family must be across the border within 24 hours. It seems Ganbataar and his family are not alone, as several more families have come forward to state that they met similar responses from Stasnovan border guards, alongside unconfirmed rumours that Stasnov has constructed more guard posts along the border with Tangguria.
Initially relations with Stasnov were warm after the creation of the Tanggu People's Republic, but soon after ideological differences, especially regarding workers' self-government and decentralisation led to a period of rocky relations under Sen Kiyeng. When Sen was forced to resign and hardliners led by Kodai Jabšangga gained control, relations improved as the People's Republic was reshaped to be similar to that of Stasnov. The two countries even embarked on a military exercise together before the death of Chairman Kodai. Warm relations continued until reformists under Chairmen Duri Mujangga and Jang Mutengge moved the country towards relations. Relations with Stasnov have remained cool since the fall of the Tanggu People's Republic in 1990, with the first years of the 21st century being a noticeable warming period, only to grow significantly colder in the past decade as Tangguria asserts its own independence and strength under President Sen Jabsangga.
While opposed ideologically, both Tangguria and Stasnov know that any conflict between the two countries, whether economical or even militarily, could do much damage between them. Yet recent developments along the border such as this harassment of nomadic peoples have led to decreasing trust in Stasnov, leading many Tanggu to wonder what they seek to gain by alienating a neighbour that seeks only a quiet border.