Indian Govt Ends Free Movement Regime With Myanmar For Security Reasons
The Indian government has decided to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar, allowing people from both countries to travel 16km across their borders without passports or visas. This move is aimed at enhancing India’s internal security and maintaining a stable population structure in the northeast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focusing on protecting India’s borders, with the Ministry of Home Affairs stating that ending the FMR is crucial for maintaining internal security. The government plans to build a fence along the entire 1,643-km border with Myanmar, with some parts of Manipur already fenced and plans for more, including a surveillance system. The decision comes after violence last year in Manipur between the Kuki-Zo and the Meiteis tribes, which led to the death of nearly 200 people. Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh supports ending the FMR , arguing that insurgents, illegal immigrants, and drug traffickers misuse this freedom. However, Miz...