In an effort aimed at putting a lid on insurgencies, smuggling and the drug trade, the Centre may end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) near the India-Myanmar Border.

Free Movement Regime

• India shares a 1,643 km long border with Myanmar which passes through the states of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km).

• Under the Free Movement Regime (FMR), every member of the hill tribes, who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of Myanmar and who is resident of any area within 16 km on either side of border can cross over on production of a border pass with one year validity and can stay up to two weeks per visit.

• It was implemented as part of India’s Act East policy.

• In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh urged the Centre to end the FMR. The state government argued that insurgents use the FMR to further their activities.

• Manipur shares 398 km of porous border with Myanmar and only about 10 km has been fenced so far. In July last year, the state government shared data that around 700 illegal immigrants entered the state.

• Mizoram has seen an influx of anti-Junta rebels in thousands since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. According to government estimates, several thousand refugees are living in different parts of Mizoram since the coup. Mizoram shares a 510-km-long porous border with Myanmar.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store