Seamless Borders : Manipur-Myanmar Free Movement Regime.

The FMR is an arrangement between India and Myanmar that allows people living along the international border to travel as deep as 16 kilometers into each other's territory without the need for official documents or visas. It became operational in 2018.

The FMR was suspended in September 2022 after the military takeover in Myanmar led to an influx of refugees into India.

The military takeover in Myanmar and the resulting violence directly impacted the border states of Manipur and Mizoram.

The FMR faced several challenges since its introduction in 2018:

Violence and Ethnic Tensions: The FMR led to ethnic tensions in Manipur, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence erupted due to disagreements over reservation policies and land ownership issues.

Governance Issues: Some analysts argue that governance problems in Manipur, such as perceived bias against certain communities and the handling of law enforcement, contributed to the challenges.

Cross-Border Linkages: The FMR aimed to leverage the ethnic and cultural connections between communities in Manipur and Myanmar, but it also resulted in cross-border movements that were difficult to regulate.

Internal Displacement: The violence and conflict in Manipur led to internal displacement, with some communities being displaced within the state.

Potential Impact on India's Act East Policy: The conflicts and challenges associated with the FMR could have implications for India's Act East Policy, which seeks to strengthen connectivity with Southeast Asia.

Stay Informed with SRIRAM's