India Halts Free Movement Regime along Myanmar Border for National Security

On February 8, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the Indian government's decision to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border. The move aims to bolster internal security and preserve the demographic structure of India's North Eastern States, according to Shah. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed an immediate suspension of the FMR.

Under the FMR, individuals from hill tribes, citizens of either India or Myanmar residing within 16 km on either side of the border, could cross with a border pass, typically valid for a year, and stay up to two weeks per visit.

India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km-long unfenced border with familial and ethnic ties between people on either side, leading to the initial establishment of the FMR. A 1968 government notification initially allowed free movement up to 40 km on either side, reduced to 16 km in 2004. The FMR's provisions were last revised in 2016.

In the 2011-12 MHA annual report, concerns were raised about the FMR making the border porous, allowing cover for activities of Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs). The unfenced border has been exploited by various IIGs, according to the report.

The India-Myanmar border traverses Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km).

Officials noted several drawbacks of the FMR, citing its inconsistent implementation and lack of standardized documents. While Assam Rifles, a central force, is deployed along the Myanmar border, the FMR's enforcement through border passes relies on state government officials. Unlike other international borders, such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, where border check posts are manned by Bureau of Immigration officials under MHA.

The challenging terrain also poses issues, with some houses straddling the border, with one part in Myanmar and the other in India.

Efforts to streamline the FMR have been discussed with Myanmar, but the neighbouring country has shown little urgency, citing relative peace on its western border. The recent military coup and subsequent civil war in Myanmar have shifted the country's priorities away from the FMR issue, according to officials.