Centre Implements Restrictions on Cross-Border Movement at the Mizoram-Myanmar Boundary
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Aizawl/Imphal, Jan 5 (NationPress) Following the example set by Manipur, the Centre has instituted regulations concerning the movement of individuals living within 10 km on both sides of the unfenced international border with Myanmar, as reported by officials on Sunday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced a new initiative that replaces the previously halted Free Movement Regime (FMR), which permitted citizens residing near both sides of the India-Myanmar border to traverse 16 km into each other’s territory without the need for a passport or visa.
An official from the Mizoram Home Department stated that residents of the border areas in both India and Bangladesh living within 10 km on either side of the border will now need to obtain a border pass to visit one another. This pass will be valid for a stay of up to seven days.
This pass will be issued to border residents from both nations upon the presentation of government documents verifying their residence within the specified 10 km limit, according to the official.
State police, health officials, and the Assam Rifles will oversee the implementation of this system. A designated officer from the Assam Rifles will issue the passes based on the official documents provided by the border residents. The pass will be valid for one week and can be used for specific purposes such as visiting relatives, tourism, business, medical needs, sports, official duties, border trade activities, attending seminars or conferences, and participating in cultural exchange programs, the official explained.
Six districts in Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—share a 510 km-long unfenced border with Myanmar's Chin state.
In related news, the MHA notified on December 24 in a correspondence to Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi that a border pass system has also been established for Myanmar nationals living within 10 km of the India-Myanmar border, allowing limited access into Manipur for specific activities. Travelers will need to present proof of identity and residence, and movement will be strictly regulated within 10 km of the border, according to the MHA notification. It further stated that “movement of people from 43 designated crossing points will be permitted for holders of the ‘Border Pass’ issued by authorized representatives of the Assam Rifles.”
As per the MHA's notification, the Border Pass is to be issued only to one adult aged 18 years or older, with minors required to be accompanied by their parents.
The notification also mentioned that entry and exit points would be operational with the deployment of at least two representatives from the state police and two from the state health department at each location to ensure smooth execution of the system.
Four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km)—collectively share a 1,643 km unfenced border with Myanmar. The Assam Rifles are tasked with securing the challenging and mountainous India-Myanmar border.
COCOMI, the apex body representing the majority Meitei community in Manipur, has expressed strong opposition to the MHA’s new cross-border movement regulations, labeling them as unfortunate and harmful to the state and its populace.
COCOMI Media Coordinator Yumkhaibam Surjit Kumar Khuman criticized the MHA notification as a threat to Manipur’s security and communal harmony, accusing a segment of the central forces of bias. The organization has called for the withdrawal of the notification, asserting that such actions could undermine the state’s integrity.
