Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a significant announcement on Thursday, declaring the decision to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar. This move, initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to bolster the internal security of the nation and safeguard the demographic structure of India’s northeastern states bordering Myanmar.
In a statement shared on social media platform X (formally Twitter), Amit Shah underscored the necessity of this decision, emphasizing its role in preserving the demographic integrity of the northeastern states. He highlighted that the Ministry of External Affairs is currently engaged in the process of scrapping the FMR, prompting the MHA to recommend its immediate suspension.
The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allowed individuals residing near the India-Myanmar border to traverse 16 kilometers into each other’s territory without requiring any documentation. Introduced in 2018 as part of India’s Act East policy, the FMR pertains to the 1,643-kilometer-long India-Myanmar border, traversing through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The decision to terminate the FMR comes in response to longstanding concerns regarding security vulnerabilities along the border. Fencing the border has been a persistent demand, particularly from groups in the Imphal Valley, who have raised alarms over the infiltration of tribal militants and the smuggling of narcotics across the porous boundary.
In alignment with the commitment to fortify India’s borders, Amit Shah disclosed plans for comprehensive border infrastructure development. He announced the initiation of a project to construct a fence along the entire 1,643-kilometer Indo-Myanmar border, with a focus on bolstering surveillance capabilities. Additionally, a patrol track will be established along the border to enhance monitoring and security measures.
Notably, a 10-kilometer stretch of the border in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced, marking the commencement of this ambitious border fortification initiative. Furthermore, the implementation of two pilot projects involving fencing through a hybrid surveillance system is currently underway, reflecting the government’s proactive approach to border security enhancement.
As the Modi government reaffirms its dedication to building impenetrable borders and safeguarding national security, the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime stands as a pivotal step towards ensuring the sovereignty and integrity of India’s northeastern frontier.
