Should Free Movement Regime with Myanmar End ?

SHOULD FREE MOVEMENT REGIME WITH MYANMAR END?

• In February 2024, the Union Home Minister announced plans to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border due to security concerns and allegations.
• These unregulated cross-border movements were contributing to ethnic conflicts, particularly in Manipur.
• However, the Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a formal notification, and Myanmar has not signed any agreement on this matter.
• The FMR, which has existed since 1968, allows people on both sides of the 1,653 km border to move freely within a 16 km limit.
• This policy has facilitated deep familial, ethnic, and trade ties between border communities.

WHAT IS FREE MOVEMENT REGIME?

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows citizens in India and Myanmar’s border regions to cross into each other’s countries without a visa, within a specified limit.
• It was introduced (current version) in 2018 as part of India’s Act East Policy.
• The regime allows individuals living near the border to travel up to 16 km into the neighboring country with minimal restrictions, facilitating local trade, educational access, and healthcare.
• Those residing along the border are granted a one-year border pass that permits stays of up to two weeks in the neighboring country.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

• Much of India’s northeast was under Burmese occupation until the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, which established the current India-Myanmar boundary.
• The treaty was signed between the British and the Burmese, ending the First Anglo-Burmese War.
• This border, however, divided communities with shared ethnic and cultural backgrounds, such as the Nagas in Nagaland and Manipur, and the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities in Manipur and Mizoram, without their consent.
• Currently, India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border through Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, of which only 10 km is fenced in Manipur.

IMPACT OF FMR ON BORDER COMMUNITIES

• For communities in Mizoram, which shares an international border with Myanmar, the FMR had limited impact.
• Historically, cross-border transactions have been a part of everyday life, with people on both sides maintaining strong business and familial relationships.
• The 16 km restriction imposed in 2004 did not substantially change the nature of these interactions.
• For other border communities, the FMR is largely unknown. The regime has only gained attention recently due to issues in Manipur.
• Prior to that, these communities were largely unaware of any formal restrictions on their movement across the border.

CENTER’S SECURITY CONCERNS

The Centre has expressed concerns over the possible negative impact of the FMR, focusing on security issues such as infiltration, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and insurgency activities.

• Increased Infiltration: There are growing concerns about the influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from the Chin and Naga communities in Myanmar, along with the movement of Rohingyas.
• This is feared to strain local resources and impact the demographic makeup of border areas.
• Drug Trafficking and Arms Smuggling: The porous border allows for the easy movement of drugs and weapons, posing a serious threat to internal security.
• In 2022, Manipur reported 500 cases and 625 arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
• Insurgency Activities: Insurgent groups operating in India’s northeast, such as the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and Kangleipak Communist Party-Lamphel (KCP-Lamphel), have been able to cross the border easily due to the FMR, evading capture and further destabilizing the region.

SOCIO ECONOMIC & REGIONAL ISSUES

The FMR has also raised concerns regarding its socio-economic impact, including potential harm to local cultures and the environment.

• Cultural Identity: There are concerns about the preservation of indigenous cultures and traditions in the border areas. The unrestricted movement of people has raised fears that increased migration might dilute local cultural practices.
• Environmental Degradation: Unregulated cross-border movement has been linked to illegal resource extraction, including deforestation and mining activities, further exacerbating environmental challenges in the region.
• Regional Dynamics: China’s growing influence in Myanmar has added complexity to the security situation. The geopolitical situation, coupled with Myanmar’s internal instability, makes managing the border increasingly challenging.

MAJOR ASPECTS OF INDIA MYANMAR RELATIONS

India and Myanmar share long-standing historical and cultural ties, with Buddhism acting as a significant link between the two nations.

• Treaty of Friendship (1951): This treaty forms the foundation of their diplomatic relations.
• Economic Cooperation: India is Myanmar’s fourth-largest trading partner and a major source of investment.
• Collaborative projects include the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway Project, which aim to enhance connectivity and trade.
• India has also been involved in the restoration of Ananda Temple in Bagan, Myanmar.
• Disaster Relief: India has been prompt in providing disaster relief to Myanmar during natural calamities, including Cyclone Mora in 2017 and the earthquake in Shan State in 2010. Presently, India has launched Operation Brahma for medical assistance.

SHOULD FMR CONTINUE? WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

• Monitoring and Regulation: While the FMR could be reformed to better monitor cross-border movement, completely scrapping it may not address the underlying issues of cross-border crime or ethnic conflict.
• Instead, border areas could be more effectively managed by strengthening monitoring mechanisms and fostering better communication between Indian and Myanmar authorities.
• Legalizing Trade: Legalizing some forms of cross-border trade could help curb illicit activities and generate revenue for the government.
• By formalizing trade, the government could also ensure proper regulation of goods moving across the border, which would benefit the local economy while minimizing illegal practices.
• Community Involvement: Involving local communities in discussions and giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility could also play a crucial role in ensuring the security and economic stability of the region.
• The government must carefully navigate the sentiments of border populations, who share ethnic ties across the border.

PRACTICALITY OF FENCING THE BORDER

• The proposal to erect a fence along the 1,700 km India-Myanmar border faces significant practical challenges, including the difficult terrain and the complex nature of the border region.
• Even in countries with advanced infrastructure, such as the U.S., fences have proven ineffective in completely preventing illegal border crossings.
• A fence could also exacerbate tensions with local communities, many of whom share close ethnic and familial ties with people across the border.
• These communities may see such measures as an infringement on their rights and identity.

CONCLUSION

The future of the Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar is uncertain. While security concerns are valid, scrapping the FMR or erecting a border fence may not be the most effective solutions. A more comprehensive approach that involves better border management, community engagement, and the legalization of cross-border trade could address both security issues and local economic needs. Any decision should prioritize the interests of the people living along the border while safeguarding national security.

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