India to Fence India-Myanmar Border, Ending Free Movement

India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday that the Centre will soon initiate the fencing of the India-Myanmar border, mirroring the border barricade with Bangladesh. This move will bring an end to the Free Movement Regime (FMR) that currently allows individuals residing near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without requiring a visa.

Speaking at the passing out parade of Assam Police commandos in Guwahati, Shah emphasized the government’s decision to fortify the open border with Myanmar, stating, “India’s border with Myanmar will soon be protected like the border with Bangladesh.” He further revealed that the government is reconsidering the Free Movement Regime (FMG) agreement with Myanmar and will soon terminate the free movement into India.

India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar, passing through states such as Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, all of which currently operate under the Free Movement Regime introduced in 2018 as part of India’s Act East policy.

Shah’s announcement comes a month after India raised security concerns with Myanmar, specifically addressing challenges along the border, including the influx of Myanmarese refugees into the country.

In his speech, Amit Shah also took the opportunity to criticize the previous Congress regime, alleging that individuals had to pay bribes for government jobs during their tenure. He highlighted that under BJP rule, no bribes were required for employment.

Turning his attention to the upcoming mega consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, Shah expressed pride in the event, declaring that Lord Ram would return home after 550 “disrespectful” years. He emphasized the significance of the ‘pran pratishthan’ ceremony occurring during a time when India is on its way to becoming a superpower.