Context:
The tribal groups of Manipur and Mizoram are opposing the decision of the Government to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between Indian and Myanmar.
- As per the statement issued by the Home Ministry, the decision to end India-Myanmar FMR is to maintain the country’s internal security and demographic structure of north-eastern states.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar: A Shift in Policy
- Indo-Myanmar Border Dynamics: Security and Border Management
Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar: A Shift in Policy
Introduction to FMR:
- The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a bilateral agreement between India and Myanmar allowing border tribes to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
- Launched in 2018 as part of the Act East policy, it aimed to promote movement, trade, and cultural exchange among ethnically similar communities along the border.
Historical Context:
- The boundary demarcated by the British in 1826 divided ethnically similar communities into two nations.
- FMR intended to address this by enabling free movement without visas, fostering local trade and business.
Current Status:
- FMR has been defunct since 2020, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Post the military coup in Myanmar (2021), and escalating refugee crises, India suspended FMR in September 2022.
- Concerns arose over unintended consequences, such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gun-running.
New Development:
- The Indian government has decided to conclude the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar.
- Initiatives include initiating tenders for an advanced smart fencing system along the entire India-Myanmar border.
Rationale for the Shift:
- Insurgent groups exploit FMR to conduct attacks on the Indian side and escape to Myanmar.
- The move aims to curb illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and gold trafficking.
- In September 2023, Manipur’s Chief Minister advocated winding up FMR to address concerns related to illegal immigration.
Challenges:
- Potential opposition from states like Nagaland and Mizoram.
- While acknowledging state concerns, border security and management fall under the Centre’s jurisdiction.
Indo-Myanmar Border Dynamics: Security and Border Management
Border Characteristics:
- The Indo-Myanmar border spans 1,643 km, with states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram sharing this boundary.
- The demarcation of 1,472 km out of the total length has been completed, leaving two un-demarcated portions in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
Security Concerns:
- Secessionist Movements:
- Greater Nagaland movement destabilizes the border, aspiring to include areas from both India and Myanmar.
- Support to Insurgents and Terrorism:
- Insurgents in India’s North Eastern states maintain ties with groups in Myanmar, receiving political, economic, logistic, and military support.
- The porous border facilitates insurgent safe havens.
- Narcotics Smuggling:
- India’s proximity to the Golden Triangle results in rampant drug trafficking, especially synthetic drugs to and from Myanmar.
Border Management Measures:
- Security Forces:
- The Assam Rifles, known as “Friends of the North East People,” is deployed along the Indo-Myanmar border.
- Modern Surveillance and Security Tools:
- Deployment of modern weapons and equipment like UAVs, BFSRs, and Laser Range Finders for effective border security.
- Border Fencing:
- Initiatives to fence the border to curb infiltration, smuggling, and illegal activities.
- Comprehensive Border Infrastructure Project:
- Undertaking a comprehensive project to enhance infrastructure along the India-Myanmar border.
- Integrated Check Posts (ICPs):
- Setting up ICPs at major entry points on land borders for streamlined cross-border movements.
- Border Area Development Programme (BADP):
- MHA’s developmental initiatives under BADP contribute to a holistic approach to border management.
-Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express
