Meitei Community in Manipur Rejects MHA’s Cross-Border Movement Initiative
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Imphal, Dec 26 (NationPress) Following the introduction of a border pass system by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for Indian and Myanmar citizens residing within 10 km of the international border, permitting limited access into either region for designated purposes, the apex organization representing the majority Meitei community in Manipur expressed strong disapproval on Thursday.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which serves as an umbrella organization for the predominant Meitei community, described the MHA notification dated December 24 as unfortunate, asserting that it would jeopardize the interests of the state and its citizens.
Labeling the MHA’s announcement as a potential risk to the security and communal harmony of Manipur, COCOMI Media Coordinator Yumkhaibam Surjit Kumar Khuman on Wednesday accused the Assam Rifles of “bias and of enabling unlawful activities.”
He called for the withdrawal of the notification, emphasizing that such actions would undermine the integrity of the state.
“The presence of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists and infiltrators from Myanmar has already caused significant damage to Manipur and harmed the interests of its people; implementing such an order would exacerbate the threats to the state’s security, integrity, and social cohesion,” the COCOMI leader stated.
In a communication to the state Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi on December 24, the MHA announced the introduction of a border pass system for Myanmar nationals living within 10 km of the India-Myanmar border, allowing limited entry into Manipur for specific purposes.
This scheme, conveyed to the Manipur government, supersedes the previously suspended Free Movement Regime (FMR) and also applies to Manipur residents living within 10 km of the border who wish to visit Myanmar.
Under this system, the Assam Rifles will issue border passes valid for one week for activities such as visiting relatives, tourism, business, medical needs, sports, official duties, border trade, attending seminars or conferences, and participating in cultural exchange programs.
Travelers must provide proof of identity and residence, with movement strictly regulated within the 10 km border zone, as stated in the MHA notification, which adds that “movement of individuals from 43 designated crossing points will be allowed for holders of 'Border Pass' issued by authorized representatives of the Assam Rifles.”
According to the MHA directive, the Border Pass will be granted only to one adult aged 18 years or older, with minors required to be accompanied by their parents.
“Entry and exit points will be staffed by at least two representatives from the state police and two from the state health department at each entry/exit location to ensure effective implementation of the system,” the MHA notification noted.
Manipur shares approximately 400 km of unfenced international border with Myanmar, and the Assam Rifles are tasked with securing this challenging and mountainous border.
