The Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar facilitates cultural exchange, trade, and family reunions, strengthening regional ties. However, it poses security risks like illegal immigration, smuggling, and militant activities. Enhancing border monitoring, digital tracking, and joint security efforts can balance benefits with safety concerns.
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Should the free movement regime between India and Myanmar remain?
In February 2024, the Union Home Minister announced that the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border would be scrapped but there has neither been any notification by the Ministry of External Affairs in this regard nor any bilateral agreement with Myanmar so far.
The FMR came into existence in 1968 as people on either side of the border have familial and ethnic ties. The territorial limit of free movement then was 40 km, which was reduced to 16 km in 2004, and additional regulations were enforced in 2016.
It allows residents living along the India-Myanmar border to cross into each other’s territories without a visa -> Recognizes the unique cultural, ethnic, and economic ties shared by communities on both sides of the border.
It promotes goodwill between the two nations while addressing practical needs like livelihoods and cultural exchanges, however, it has sparked debates about security risks.
Strengthens regional cooperation and promotes peaceful coexistence.
Communities along the border benefit economically as they engage in cross-border trade of local goods such as agricultural produce, handicrafts, and textiles.
Families divided by colonial-era borders can reunite easily ->preserving their shared heritage.
It enhances India’s soft power diplomacy with Myanmar -> Indicating respect for traditional practices and fostering trust.
It demonstrates sensitivity toward the socio-cultural realities of border populations -> to build long-term stability in the region.
Porous borders -> Risk of illegal immigration, smuggling, and trafficking of drugs, weapons, and wildlife.
Militant groups exploit this freedom -> threatening national security. For example, insurgent groups like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and others have historically used these routes to evade capture.
Inadequate infrastructure and monitoring mechanisms along the border -> Difficult to regulate who enters or exits under the FMR.
Without proper documentation systems, law enforcement agencies struggle to distinguish legitimate travelers from potential threats.
Establish comprehensive digital databases to track individuals crossing the border.
Biometric identification systems can be adopted to ensure only eligible residents utilize the FMR privileges.
Enhance surveillance technologies, including CCTV cameras and drones, to monitor sensitive areas.
Capacity-building initiatives to train border personnel to handle complex scenarios involving migrants, traders, or suspected criminals.
India and Myanmar should collaborate closely through joint task forces to combat transnational crimes. Regular dialogues will help to resolve disputes and refine operational frameworks, to ensure the FMR serves its intended purpose without compromising safety.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How many Indian states touch the border of Myanmar? A) Two B) Three C) Four D) Five Answer: C Explanation: India shares its border with Myanmar through four northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
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