Free Movement Regime to end at Myanmar border

Context: The Union government is all set to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border. People living in border areas, who could cross over to India, will soon require visas, the official added.
About:
Free Movement Regime

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border is a mutually agreed pact between India and Myanmar that allows tribes residing on either side of the border to travel up to 16 km into each other's territory without visa restrictions.
• The FMR has been in place for several decades and has facilitated cultural and economic exchanges between the border communities.

Significance:

• Cultural and Economic Exchanges: The FMR allows tribes residing on either side to travel up to 16 km into each other's territory without visa restrictions, fostering cultural and economic exchanges between the border communities.
• Historical Ties: The FMR has been in place for several decades and has maintained age-old ties between the border communities
• Peaceful Coexistence: The FMR has contributed to peaceful coexistence between the border communities, promoting mutual respect and understanding
• Tourism: The FMR has also facilitated tourism in the region, with people from both sides visiting each other's countries for leisure and religious purposes

Challenges

• Insurgency and Border Crimes: The FMR has been associated with promoting insurgency across and inside the border, as well as illicit and informal trade, including drug trafficking and arms smuggling
• Illicit Activities: The changing socio-politico-economic conditions in Myanmar and the dynamic demographic profile have led to an increase in illicit activities and border crimes, posing a significant challenge to the security and stability of the region
• Ethnic Violence: The FMR has contributed to the internal security challenge of ethnic violence in states like Manipur, where the movement of insurgent groups and the influx of illegal arms and substances have been facilitated by the FMR
• Influx of Illegal Immigrants: The FMR has also been linked to the influx of illegal immigrants, posing challenges related to border security and the management of cross-border movements
• Local Aspirations and Ancestral Lands: The FMR's impact on local communities and their ancestral lands has been a point of contention, with concerns about the potential impact of its suspension or revision on the livelihoods and traditional practices of the border communities

The way forward involves finding a balance between preserving the social and economic benefits of the FMR while addressing security concerns. This may include implementing alternative mechanisms to facilitate legitimate cross-border activities and trade, while strengthening border security to prevent illegal movements and activities.