The Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar was a unique arrangement that permitted residents within 16 km of the border to traverse freely for up to two weeks using a border pass. However, this policy has undergone significant changes.
Initially introduced in 2018 as part of India's Act East Policy, the FMR aimed to strengthen cross-border relationships, trade, and cultural exchanges among the tribal communities residing along the India-Myanmar border. It was an innovative move to foster regional cooperation.
In February 2024, India decided to terminate the FMR due to escalating security concerns. Factors such as the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, ethnic tensions in Manipur, and the rise in illegal activities like narcotics and arms smuggling played a pivotal role in this decision.
Under the new regulations, only relatives and family members within a 10 km radius of the border can cross into India. These crossings are limited to three days and require permits, subject to biometric verification and local address checks to ensure security.
India has taken significant measures to fortify its border security. Of the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border, 1,472 km have been demarcated, with plans to install advanced smart fencing along 100 km.
The 2021 military coup in Myanmar led to increased turmoil and weakened control by the Myanmar Army along the border regions, prompting India to enhance its surveillance and tighten border regulations.
Illegal migration from Myanmar into India has been a significant issue. In 2023, Indian authorities carried out biometric verifications, identifying over 37,000 illegal migrants, who were subsequently placed on negative lists for Aadhaar and voter ID registrations.
The northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, sharing a border with Myanmar, are directly impacted by the changes in the FMR policy. The decision has disrupted traditional cross-border interactions among tribal communities.
Looking ahead, India plans to complete the fencing along the entire India-Myanmar border and implement smart surveillance systems. Stricter immigration controls will be enacted to effectively manage border movement, ensuring national security while curbing illegal activities.
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