What is the purpose of the fencing project along the India-Myanmar border?
The project aims to enhance national security, prevent smuggling and illegal activities, and maintain the demographic structure of India’s northeastern region in the wake of the military coup in Myanmar and ensuing refugee flows into India.
How long is the India-Myanmar border that will be fenced, and what is the estimated cost of the project?
The fencing will cover a 1,610-km (1,000-mile) stretch of the India-Myanmar border, with an estimated project cost of $3.7 billion.
Why has India decided to fence its border with Myanmar now?
The decision follows increased concerns over national security and the demographic impact following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, which resulted in significant refugee influxes and increased illegal activities across the porous border.
Will the fencing affect the visa-free movement policy between India and Myanmar?
Yes, the project will end the decades-old visa-free movement policy for border citizens of both countries, aiming to regulate movement more effectively in light of current security and demographic concerns.
Has Myanmar commented on India’s plans to fence the border?
As of the latest reports, Myanmar has not publicly commented on India’s fencing plans.
What additional infrastructure is planned apart from the fence?
The project includes the construction of parallel roads along the fence and 1,700 km (1,050 miles) of feeder roads connecting military bases to the border, enhancing patrol and security measures.
How does the cost per kilometer for the India-Myanmar border fence compare to previous fencing projects, such as the one along the India-Bangladesh border?
The cost per kilometer for the India-Myanmar border fence is estimated at nearly 125 million rupees, more than double the cost of 55 million per km for the border fence with Bangladesh built in 2020. The increased cost is attributed to the challenging hilly terrain and the implementation of advanced technology to prevent intrusion and corrosion.
What are the main challenges associated with the fencing project?
The primary challenges include the difficult hilly terrain, ensuring the project does not adversely affect the local communities and their movement, and deploying technology effectively to prevent intrusions.
How will the project impact India’s northeastern states?
The project is expected to enhance security in India’s northeastern states by curbing illegal immigration, smuggling, and other illegal activities. It also aims to protect the demographic structure and contribute to the stability of the region.
For more detailed inquiries or updates on the project, please refer to official statements and releases from the Government of India and relevant ministries.
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