The Indian Government recommended scrapping of the Bharat-Myanmar Free Movement Regime expressing grave concern over “internal security”, particularly in the bordering areas of Northeastern region.
Subsequently, citizens who were previously permitted to travel up to 16 km into territories of both nations without important documents like visas or passports, will not be allowed now to do the same.
Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “resolve to secure our borders” and to ensure Bharat’s “internal security and to maintain demographic structure of Northeastern States”.
To implement the decision, Shah earlier said the Centre will erect fence upon the Bharat-Myanmar border, spreading across 1,643 km to make it “impenetrable”, along with creating a patrolling trail next to it.
The situation of FMR suspension and international border fencing arose out of security concerns post ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meiteis in Manipur last June. Kuki-Zo communities of Bharat and Myanmar’s Chin State share ethnic ties. Pointing towards this, Meiteis asserted misuse of the FMR led to rampant infiltration from Myanmar and considered it as one of the major factors behind the violence. However, the Kuki-Zos have declined this accusation.
The N Biren Singh Government supported the Centre’s move, highlighting abuse of the FMR policy by Myanmar’s insurgent groups, illegal infiltrators along with drug traffickers for conducting anti-social elements.
Without mentioning any name, CM Biren accused erstwhile governments at the Centre of leaving the Manipur people “alone” and expressed concern over consistent insecurity as Assam Rifles “can’t handle counter-insurgency and guard the border” in presence of militants.
The CM expressed gratitude to both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their “commitment to securing our borders” and the “historic decision in curbing illegal immigration and strengthening our internal security”.
Close to 600 Myanmar Army soldiers entered Bharat in recent time and sought refuge in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district after losing battles with ethnic armed group Arakan Army militants in the western Myanmar’s Rakhine, as per government sources.
However, newly-elected Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has opposed the move while Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu hailed the same. With Myanmar, Mizoram shares border of 510 km, Manipur 390 km, Arunachal Pradesh 520 km and Nagaland 215 km.
