India to End Free Movement with Myanmar, Enhances Border Security

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday that the Indian government will terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar to bolster the nation’s internal security and maintain the demographic structure of the northeastern states bordering Myanmar. The decision to scrap the FMR, which allowed residents near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without documents, comes as part of a broader strategy to construct a fence along the entire 1,643-km-long border. This move aims to address concerns over illegal immigration and smuggling activities that have been exacerbated by the porous nature of the border.

The initiative to fence the border and end the FMR reflects the government’s commitment to building impenetrable borders, as stated by Amit Shah. Already, a 10-km stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has been successfully fenced, and two pilot projects utilizing a hybrid surveillance system are underway. The fencing is a response to the persistent demands from local communities, including the Meitei groups in the Imphal Valley, who have raised alarms over the entry of tribal militants and the smuggling of narcotics through the unfenced border.

The scrapping of the FMR and the fencing of the border are expected to significantly curb illegal activities and ensure the security of the region. Manipur, which shares a 390-km border with Myanmar, has already seen efforts to deter illegal crossings, with around 700 illegal immigrants reportedly entering the state last year. Mizoram, sharing a 510-km border with Myanmar, has also experienced an influx of refugees following the military coup in Myanmar in 2021. The Indian government’s decisions mark a critical step towards securing its borders and safeguarding the interests of its northeastern states.

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