Centre implements stricter free movement regime, Myanmar citizens cross border after submitting biometric details

Having faced backlash from states like Nagaland, Mizoram and civil societies and tribal bodies in Manipur for its last year announcement of scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border, the Centre has introduced a stricter regime which allowed movement of people from the neighbouring nation into India, but only after collecting their documents and biometric details.

According to security officials aware of the developments, the stricter regime was brought in place in December 2024 after the Kuki-Zo and even Naga communities objected to the Centre’s decision to scrap the FMR, which it saw as one of the reasons for the eruption of ethnic violence in Manipur.

However, ever since Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced the scrapping of FMR, protests had been taking place in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram, especially among tribal communities, who share ethnic ties with several members of their communities living in Myanmar.

Heeding to protests from tribals and even objections being received from governments of two of the above-mentioned states, the Centre in late December indicated that these states can implement a stricter FMR.

Under this arrangement, border passes are issued to people from both Myanmar and India who intend to cross into each other territories, mainly to visit their relatives.

These single-entry border passes are issued after checking their residential details (of within 10 km of the border and issued by the local police station or village authorities), photographs and biometrics.

These passes are valid for seven days and are meant for movement within 10 km of the borders of either sides, sources informed further.

Once the users return, they have to deposit these passes at the border crossing points.

Ever since this stricter FMR regime was introduced in December 2024, around 5,000 to 6,000 persons have been able to enter India from across Myanmar, security sources informed.

India shares a 1,643 km border with Myanmar which traverses through Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km).

Demarcation work of 1,472 km of the border has been completed.