- The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur between Meiteis and Kukis is worsened by the question of illegal tribal Kuki-Chin migration into India from Myanmar.
- In the midst of this tense and delicate debate, doubts have been raised about the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which permits tribes along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) to travel without a visa into each other’s territory.
Understanding the Regime of Free Movement
- The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of the Act East programme to strengthen Indo-Myanmar connections.
- It permits tribes living along the IMB to go up to 16 km into the neighbouring country without a visa.
- Ethnic and Cultural Ties: The border between India and Myanmar was drawn without taking into account the views of the people who live there, dividing individuals of the same ethnicity and culture into two nations.
- The FMR aims to facilitate people-to-people contact, local trade, and business, all of which are necessary for livelihoods and sustenance.
- Discontinuation: As the Myanmar issue worsened, India suspended the FMR in September 2022.
FMR-created challenges
- Unintentional Aid to Illegal Immigration: Because the Indo-Myanmar border is porous and unfenced, there are concerns about illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gun smuggling.
- Refugee flood: The military coup in Myanmar sparked persecution of the Kuki-Chin peoples, resulting in a large influx of Myanmarese tribals seeking refuge in Manipur and Mizoram. Despite concerns from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Mizoram established camps for approximately 40,000 refugees.
- Tensions and deforestation: The Manipur government accused village leaders of illegally placing Myanmar migrants in new villages, resulting in deforestation.
- Eviction resistance: An eviction drive sparked violence between Kukis and the authorities.
Potential Solutions
- Better FMR Regulation: Experts concur that the FMR requires improved regulation to overcome the issues posed by unlawful activities and cross-border movements.
- Middle route: A middle route could be pursued to accommodate Myanmar’s shifting sociopolitical and economic realities, as well as the region’s dynamic demographic composition.
- Addressing the Issue: India must find a way to fight illicit operations and border crimes while also taking into account the concerns and requirements of the local population.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/free-movement-regime-india-myanmar-border-manipur-migration-explained-8865348/#:~:text=The%20border%20between%20India%20and,other%20country%2C%20without%20a%20visa.