Why in the News?

Ahead of PM Modi’s Manipur visit, United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a trade embargo from against the India–Myanmar border fence and the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

About the Free Movement Regime (FMR):

• Overview: Introduced in the 1970s, FMR allowed residents within 16 km of the India–Myanmar border to travel freely up to 16 km across without visa requirements.
• Border length: India–Myanmar border stretches 1,643 km across four states: Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), Mizoram (510 km).
• Purpose: To recognize ethnic, cultural, and familial ties of communities (Kuki, Naga, Mizo, etc.) living across the unfenced border.
• Revision: Last revised in 2016 under the Act East Policy.
• Suspension: On February 8, 2024, MHA formally announced its scrapping, citing:
  • Internal security risks.
  • Illegal immigration and demographic changes in NE states.
  • Cross-border drug trafficking and insurgency links.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

• Kuki groups: View FMR suspension and fencing as an attack on shared ethnic ties, even comparing it to the Berlin Wall. Recently reached an understanding with MHA negotiators.
• Naga groups (UNC): Strongly opposed to border fencing and FMR suspension, claiming it undermines homeland, land rights, and identity. Announced a trade embargo in protest.
• Meiteis (Valley population): Support suspension, arguing that FMR facilitated illegal migration, illicit drug trade, and aggravated ethnic tensions.
• Government of India: Defends suspension on security and demographic grounds, while attempting to balance peace talks with tribal groups.

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