Kohima: In a significant political development, an all-party delegation from Nagaland is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to voice the deep concerns of the Naga people regarding the Centre’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar. The move follows a resolution passed in the state Assembly on March 7, highlighting the potential repercussions of the decision on the region’s socio-cultural and economic fabric.
The Free Movement Regime, introduced in 2018 as part of India’s Act East Policy, allows border residents to travel up to 16 kilometers into each other’s territory without a visa. However, in January 2024, the Central government announced its intent to discontinue the arrangement, citing security concerns. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, addressing the Assembly, warned that such a move could disrupt the longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties shared by Naga communities across the international border.
In response, Rio proposed leading an all-party delegation to New Delhi to personally present the issue before Amit Shah. The House unanimously endorsed the initiative, stressing the urgency of the matter. The delegation plans to highlight concerns raised through Assembly resolutions passed on March 1, 2024, along with Cabinet decisions from February 8, 2024, and January 6, 2025.
The India-Myanmar border spans 1,643 km and passes through Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram. The FMR has been a crucial mechanism in allowing cross-border trade, family visits, and agricultural activities. The Chief Minister informed the House that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had, on December 24, 2023, issued new directives limiting cross-border movement to designated points and requiring travelers to hold special Border Passes issued by the Assam Rifles. Out of the 43 designated crossing points, nine fall within Nagaland. Additionally, the MHA has instructed state authorities to monitor Myanmar nationals for any overstays or unauthorized activities.
Rio warned that scrapping the FMR would create hardships for border residents, many of whom rely on cross-border movement for livelihood, healthcare, and education. He emphasized that in many cases, farming communities must cross the border for agricultural activities, and families have close-knit ties spanning both sides. The Nagaland government has repeatedly raised these concerns with the Centre, calling for a balanced approach that addresses security while preserving humanitarian and cultural considerations.
During deliberations, the state Cabinet also discussed the MHA’s proposal to fence the international border, deciding instead to request the Centre to retain the FMR with necessary safeguards. The Chief Secretary of Nagaland formally communicated this stance to the Union Home Secretary on January 22, underscoring the need for a policy that respects the rights and traditions of the indigenous communities residing in the border regions.
The upcoming meeting between the Nagaland delegation and Amit Shah is expected to be a crucial moment in shaping the future of cross-border relations between Nagaland and Myanmar. With growing discontent among Naga civil society groups, the state government is under pressure to secure a resolution that safeguards the interests of the people most affected by the policy change.