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Source- This post is based on the article “Free Movement Regime to end at Myanmar border” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd January 2024.
Why in the News?
The Union government is poised to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border.
What is Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar?
1) The FMR is a mutually agreed arrangement between the two countries that allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
2) They can cross the border on production of a border pass, usually valid for a year, and can stay for up to two weeks per visit.
3) The FMR is a reflection of the strong ethnic and familial ties across the border.
4) It was implemented in 2018 as part of the India’s Act East policy.
5) India suspended the FMR in September 2022 following the 2021 Myanmar coup and the resultant migrant influx. Over 40,000 refugees took shelter in Mizoram, and around 4,000 refugees are said to have entered Manipur.
Note- The persecution of Kuki-Chin-Zo ethnic groups by the ruling junta in Myanmar has pushed them towards India through the unfenced, porous borders.
| For more information on FMR with Myanmar Click here to read |
About India-Myanmar Border
1) India shares a 1,643 km-long border with Myanmar.
2) It passes through the States of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km).
3) The border remains largely unfenced and is protected by Assam Rifles.
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