The Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) has requested the Indian government to reconsider its decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the two countries. The NGOCC expressed concerns that these actions would disrupt ethnic and cultural connections between the Mizo communities on both sides of the border. The FMR allows people to travel within 16 km of each other s territory without a visa.
As per reports, the Government of India has scrapped the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India–Myanmar border. Home Minister Amit Shah had made the intention of doing the same clear in December 2023.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed opposition to the abrogation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border. The Centre has decided to scrap the FMR with Myanmar. Rio admitted that people in border areas not following guidelines were making the Northeast a safe haven for insurgency and other activities.
The NDA government in Nagaland will consult the state’s tribal bodies and civil society organizations on the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement.
The Indian government has decided to scrap the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR) to maintain internal security and protect the demographic structure of northeastern states.