Northeast Desk, 10th February: Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, has strongly opposed the decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border, expressing the state government’s disapproval. Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on the termination of FMR, Rio emphasized the need for balanced security measures while addressing concerns of insurgency in the North East.
Speaking at ‘The White Owl Literature Festival & Book Fair’ launch, Rio acknowledged the security challenges faced by the Indian Government in border regions due to non-compliance with guidelines. He disclosed the state cabinet’s agreement to introduce regulations following a recent meeting, affirming the state government’s commitment to addressing security issues while respecting public sentiment against the abolition of FMR.
“We have listened to the voices of the public, and that’s why the state government opposes the lifting of FMR, and we are actively working on it,” Rio assured, underscoring the government’s responsiveness to public concerns.
Additionally, reports indicate that the Neiphiu Rio-led government intends to urge the Central government to formulate appropriate regulations and establish procedures for cross-border movement. The Cabinet has further resolved to advocate for the involvement of village council authorities in the comprehensive regulatory framework of the FMR, aiming to ensure a holistic approach to border management.