In a significant move aimed at bolstering India’s internal security and maintaining demographic stability in the northeastern states, the Union Home Ministry has recommended the suspension of the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR). This decision comes just two days after Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans to fence the entire 1,643-km border with Myanmar and deploy a patrolling track adjacent to the barrier will increase Troubles of Free movement regime. Myanmar reaction on India action Indo-Myanmar border has evoked mixed reactions with the Kuki-Zo people

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to fortifying India’s borders was highlighted by Amit Shah, who emphasized the necessity of scrapping the Free Movement Regime to ensure the country’s internal security and safeguard the demographic structure of the northeastern states. The decision underscores the government’s resolve to maintain impenetrable borders and address security concerns along the India-Myanmar frontier will increase Troubles of Free movement regime.

Already, progress has been made on the ground, with a 10-km stretch in Manipur’s Moreh region already fenced off, and two pilot projects featuring a hybrid surveillance system operational, each covering one kilometers. Additionally, plans for fencing approximately 20km in Manipur have been approved.

The decision to suspend the FMR and reinforce border security follows ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur last year between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meiteis. The clashes resulted in nearly 200 fatalities and the displacement of tens of thousands. The Meitei’s have attributed the violence, in part, to unchecked entry of illegal immigrants from Myanmar facilitated by the FMR. They argue that this influx has fueled tensions and contributed to the conflict.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh of Manipur has thrown his support behind the decision to scrap the FMR and fortify the border, asserting that insurgents, illegal immigrants, and drug traffickers have exploited the policy for nefarious purposes. Singh expressed gratitude to both Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi for their commitment to securing India’s borders and curbing illegal immigration.

However, Mizoram, a neighboring state to Manipur, has opposed the move, arguing that it is unjust to separate people of the same ethnic group living on either side of the border. Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized the need to preserve the cultural and social ties between communities residing along the India-Myanmar border.

The India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime, established in 1970, permitted entry without visas or passports, primarily to facilitate visits by tribes with shared kinship and ethnic connections on both sides of the border