New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has taken a significant step by recommending the suspension of the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime, citing concerns regarding internal security. This regime, which permitted citizens from either nation to traverse the border and travel up to 16km into the other without requiring passports or visas, has been suspended to bolster border security and preserve the demographic structure of the northeastern states, according to Home Minister Amit Shah.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to fortifying India’s borders has been underscored by this decision, which comes alongside plans to fence the entire 1,643-km Myanmar border. The objective is to establish “impenetrable borders” and enhance surveillance with the implementation of a patrolling track adjacent to the barrier.
Already, a 10-km stretch in Manipur’s Moreh has been fenced, and two pilot projects employing a “hybrid surveillance system” are operational, each covering one kilometer. Additionally, proposals for fence works encompassing around 20km in Manipur have been approved.
This action follows ethnic violence in Manipur last year between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meiteis, resulting in nearly 200 fatalities and displacing tens of thousands. The Meiteis have contended that unchecked entry of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, facilitated by the Free Movement Regime over the years, contributed to the unrest. On the other hand, the Kuki-Zos have denied these allegations and accused Chief Minister N Biren Singh of inflaming tensions for political gains.
Chief Minister Singh’s administration has supported the suspension of the Free Movement Regime and the border fencing, citing concerns about insurgents, illegal immigrants, and drug traffickers exploiting the policy. Notably, government sources have reported the incursion of nearly 600 Myanmar Army soldiers into India, seeking refuge in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district following conflicts with Arakan Army militants.
While Manipur endorses these measures, Mizoram has expressed opposition, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighting the bonds shared by people of the same ethnic group across the border. Mizoram, which shares a 510-km-long border with Myanmar, stands against the separation of such communities.
The India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime, established in 1970 to facilitate visits among tribes with shared kinship and ethnic ties, was revived by the Modi government in 2016 as part of its ‘Act East’ policy. However, its suspension reflects the evolving security concerns and the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests.
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