INDIA-MYANMAR

The Union government will soon fence the 1,643-km border between India and Myanmar, and will consider ending the free movement regime (FMR) agreement with the neighbouring country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday.

The FMR, implemented in 2018 as part of India’s Act East Policy, allowed residents of both countries living along the border to travel up to 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa. Ending the agreement will restrict this movement

2.India's free movement regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a mutually agreed-upon arrangement between India and Myanmar, allowing tribes residing along the shared border to travel up to 16 kilometers inside each other's country without the need for a visa.
• This initiative was implemented in 2018 as part of the Act East policy under the Narendra Modi government, coinciding with an improvement in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
• Originally intended for implementation in 2017, the FMR faced a delay due to the Rohingya refugee crisis that unfolded in August of that year.
• The historical context of the India-Myanmar border reveals that it was demarcated by the British in 1826 without consulting the opinions of the local inhabitants.
• This arbitrary division separated people of the same ethnicity and culture into two nations without their consent, and the present-day border reflects the British-drawn line.
• The communities residing in the region maintain strong ethnic and familial ties across the border. Notably, in Manipur's Moreh region, some villages have homes situated in Myanmar, while in Nagaland's Mon district, the border passes through the residence of the chief of Longwa village, effectively splitting his home into two.
• Beyond fostering people-to-people contact, the FMR aimed to boost local trade and business. The region has a rich history of trans-border commerce through customs and border haats, which is crucial for sustaining local livelihoods in the context of a low-income economy.
• For those on the Myanmar side of the border, Indian towns are more accessible for business, education, and healthcare compared to options within their own country

3. Significance of Free Movement Regime Agreement

• The ongoing conflict in Manipur involves a significant aspect related to the illegal migration of tribal Kuki-Chin groups from Myanmar into India. In this complex situation, the Meiteis have accused these migrants and an alleged "narco-terror network" along the India-Myanmar Border (IMB) of causing disturbances in the state.
• Conversely, the Kukis have accused the Meiteis and Chief Minister N Biren Singh, a Meitei himself, of using these allegations as a pretext for what they perceive as "ethnic cleansing."
• Amidst the heated and sensitive discussions surrounding this issue, there are concerns raised about the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
• While it has proven beneficial for local populations and has contributed to improving relations between India and Myanmar, the FMR has faced criticism in the past for inadvertently facilitating illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the illicit trade of firearms.
• The India-Myanmar Border (IMB) traverses challenging terrain, consisting mainly of unfenced, forested, and undulating areas, making effective monitoring a difficult task. In Manipur, less than 6 kilometers of the border is fenced.
• Since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the ruling junta has initiated a campaign of persecution against the Kuki-Chin communities, leading to a significant influx of Myanmarese tribals across the western border into India, particularly Manipur and Mizoram.
• In Mizoram, where a substantial part of the population shares close ethnic and cultural ties with those across the border, over 40,000 refugees have sought shelter in camps, despite objections from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs

4. Migration as an Issue

• In recent months, Manipur has experienced an influx of illegal migrants. A committee established by the state government in 2023 reported a count of 2,187 such migrants. In September 2022, sources indicate that 5,500 illegal immigrants were apprehended in Moreh, with 4,300 being repelled. Biometric data for these individuals has been documented.
• In 2023, Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi expressed concerns to the Assam Rifles about 718 reported new infiltrations from Myanmar and requested the paramilitary force to identify and repatriate them.
• The Manipur government contends that village chiefs have unlawfully relocated migrants from Myanmar to new settlements in the hills, resulting in deforestation. An eviction effort targeting these new villages became a source of tension between Kukis in the hills and the government in March of the previous year, leading to violence in the state.
• The hills surrounding the Imphal valley are inhabited by Kuki and Naga peoples, while the valley itself is predominantly home to the Meiteis. The extent of illegal immigration from Myanmar to Manipur is reflected in the detention of 410 individuals from that country who have been residing in the state without proper documentation. Additionally, around 2,400 individuals seeking refuge are currently housed in detention facilities along the border areas, having fled Myanmar

5. What happens after removing Free Movement Regime (FMR)?

The removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar on January 2nd, 2024, has significant implications for both countries and the communities living along the border. Here's a breakdown of what might happen:

Immediate impacts:

• Stricter border controls: Increased patrolling, fencing of strategic sections, and stricter visa requirements are likely to be implemented along the 1600km border. This could lead to:

  • Reduced cross-border movement: Residents who used the FMR for trade, social visits, or accessing healthcare across the border will face difficulties.
  • Economic disruption: Local economies that relied on cross-border trade and exchange might suffer.
  • Disruption of traditional way of life: Communities with cultural and family ties across the border could face challenges maintaining those connections.

• Security concerns: While the FMR's removal aims to address security issues like insurgency and illegal smuggling, it might not be a complete solution. These activities could continue through other means, potentially even increasing due to stricter border controls.

• The unilateral decision to end the FMR could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries. Myanmar might view it as a lack of trust and cooperation
•  The influx of refugees fleeing Myanmar's political turmoil could worsen if they are unable to cross the border legally. This could put a strain on India's resources and create humanitarian challenges
• The long-term future of cross-border movement and the livelihoods of communities that depend on it remain uncertain. Finding alternative solutions that address security concerns while minimizing negative impacts will be crucial

• The northeastern states of India and Myanmar have historical cultural linkages. Communities living in border regions often share ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties
• During British colonial rule, both India and Myanmar were part of British India. The border between the two countries was demarcated during this period
• Myanmar (then Burma) gained independence from British rule in 1948, a year before India. They established diplomatic relations soon after
• Over the years, India and Myanmar have signed various bilateral agreements covering trade, security, cultural exchange, and infrastructure development
• Both countries have cooperated on security issues, particularly in addressing cross-border insurgencies and ensuring the stability of the border regions
• Economic ties between India and Myanmar have strengthened. They have collaborated on projects related to connectivity, trade, and investment
• The Free Movement Regime allows tribes living along the India-Myanmar border to travel up to a certain distance without a visa, fostering people-to-people contact
• India has been involved in infrastructure development projects in Myanmar, including the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, which aims to improve connectivity between the northeastern states of India and Myanmar's Sittwe port