The Indian government has initiated a significant project to enhance security along its 1,643-km border with Myanmar. With an allocation of ₹31,000 crore, this endeavor focuses on states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The project has gained momentum due to rising ethnic violence in Manipur, with 30 km of fencing already completed, particularly near Moreh.
The Myanmar border fencing project aims to construct a robust barrier to improve border security and curb illegal activities. This initiative addresses the growing concerns associated with cross-border movements that often lead to unrest.
The Union government has earmarked ₹31,000 crore for this vital project. This budget encompasses not only the fencing but also the construction of border roads aimed at enhancing accessibility and overall surveillance capabilities.
In the past year, the fencing project has seen tangible progress, with 30 km of borders secured, including 10 km near Moreh in Manipur. Currently, efforts are ongoing to extend this fencing by an additional 21 km in various regions of Manipur, with future plans to cover the entire border area.
The decision to erect a fence stems from pressing security issues, particularly related to ethnic violence and illegal cross-border activities. The Home Minister has highlighted the porous nature of the border as a significant factor contributing to these ongoing conflicts.
This year, the Home Ministry abolished the Free Movement Regime, which previously allowed residents living near the border to traverse up to 16 km into each other's territories without documentation. This move is part of broader measures to tighten security and regulate border crossings.
While the fencing project aims to mitigate illegal movement and bolster security, it could also disrupt traditional cross-border interactions, trade, and the movement of local communities with familial and cultural connections across the border.
The project includes plans for additional road construction along the border to improve access and monitoring. The government is also exploring the use of advanced surveillance technologies to further enhance border management and prevent illegal activities.
Q1. What is the objective of the Myanmar border fencing project?
Answer: The project aims to construct a fence along the 1,643-km border with Myanmar to improve security and curb illegal activities across states like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
Q2. How much budget has been allocated for the border fencing project?
Answer: The Indian government has approved a budget of ₹31,000 crore for the fencing project, which includes constructing border roads for accessibility and surveillance.
Q3. What progress has been made in the fencing project so far?
Answer: As of now, 30 km of the border has been fenced, including 10 km near Moreh, with ongoing work to extend this by another 21 km in Manipur.
Q4. Why was the Free Movement Regime (FMR) scrapped?
Answer: The FMR was abolished to tighten security and regulate border crossings, addressing issues related to illegal activities and ethnic violence in border regions.
Q5. How does the fencing project affect local populations?
Answer: The fencing may limit traditional cross-border interactions and trade for local communities that have cultural ties across the border, despite its security benefits.
Question 1: What is the primary goal of the India-Myanmar border fencing project?
A) To promote tourism
B) To enhance border security
C) To facilitate trade
D) To support local communities
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How much budget has been allocated for the border fencing initiative?
A) ₹10,000 crore
B) ₹21,000 crore
C) ₹31,000 crore
D) ₹50,000 crore
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which state is not included in the Myanmar border fencing project?
A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Nagaland
C) Assam
D) Mizoram
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What significant change occurred with the scrapping of the FMR?
A) Increased trade
B) Enhanced security
C) More travel freedom
D) Stricter regulations
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How many kilometers have been fenced so far in the project?
A) 10 km
B) 30 km
C) 50 km
D) 100 km
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What technology is the government exploring for future border management?
A) Traditional surveillance
B) Advanced surveillance technologies
C) Manual monitoring
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: Who highlighted the porous border as a security concern?
A) Prime Minister
B) Home Minister
C) Defense Minister
D) Foreign Minister
Correct Answer: B
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