India, February 14:
The Indian government has introduced a more regulated system for cross-border movement along the India-Myanmar border, requiring Myanmar nationals to submit their biometric details and necessary documents before entry.
This new system, implemented in December 2024, was introduced in response to opposition from states such as Nagaland, Mizoram, and tribal organizations in Manipur. These groups strongly opposed the Centre’s earlier decision to revoke the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which they believed contributed to ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Following widespread protests, particularly from the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities—who have strong ethnic ties with people in Myanmar—the government decided to modify its stance. By the end of December, it signaled that affected states could enforce a stricter FMR instead of completely abolishing it.
New Border Pass System
Under the revised policy, individuals from both India and Myanmar can apply for single-entry border passes to visit family members across the border. These passes are issued after verifying their residential details (within 10 km of the border) through local police or village authorities. Biometric data and photographs are also collected as part of the process.
Key features of this system include:
- Passes are valid for seven days.
- Travel is restricted to within 10 km of the border on either side.
- Individuals must return and submit their passes at designated border checkpoints upon completion of their visit.
Since the implementation of this policy in December 2024, an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 Myanmar nationals have entered India under these stricter regulations.
India-Myanmar Border Details
India shares a 1,643 km border with Myanmar, spanning Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km). Out of this, the demarcation process for 1,472 km has been completed.
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