As part of the stricter Free Movement Regime (FMR) now enforced at the Myanmar border, India has reportedly permitted 7,000 individuals from the neighbouring country to cross after verifying their documents and collecting their biometric details. These records are linked to the National Data Centre for monitoring purposes.

Last year, the Indian government announced plans to abolish the FMR altogether. Still, the decision faced strong opposition from civil society groups and political leaders, including those from the BJP in Nagaland and Mizoram. Communities such as the Naga and Kuki-Zo in Manipur also resisted the move.

Due to continued pushback, the Centre revised its stance and, in late December, directed the state governments of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland to enforce a stricter but modified version of the FMR.

According to a senior Assam Rifles officer, the entry of Myanmar nationals is currently regulated at 22 designated border points, with plans to expand this to 43. Security personnel issue “border passes” to those crossing the border after verifying their biometric details, address, and other credentials.

Under the revised Free Movement Regime (FMR) protocol, which has been in effect since December, individuals from either country must provide proof of residence within 10 km of the border. A local police station, village chief, or government-recognised authority must issue this proof.

Once they present this documentation, Assam Rifles personnel capture their photographs and biometric details, including fingerprints. According to an official, they are then issued a border pass, which remains valid for seven days.

“We are collecting their details (because) we should know who is coming and staying in our areas. If anyone commits anything wrong, we should know their whereabouts,” the officer expressed.

The pass issued is valid for a single entry, allowing a stay of up to seven days within 10 km of the border. Travellers must return the pass at the same crossing point they initially entered. According to the officer, “They are not interested in going to other areas because they are mainly coming to meet their relatives.”

The Central government’s decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) was welcomed by Manipur but faced strong opposition from Mizoram and Nagaland.

The Manipur government attributed alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar as a key factor behind the ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zos, which has been ongoing since May 2023.

India’s border with Myanmar stretches 1,643 km, passing through Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km). So far, 1,472 km of this border has been demarcated. Meanwhile, work is underway on two pilot projects involving hybrid surveillance systems, which have been assigned to the Assam Rifles.