Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Thursday that the Indian government is actively working to regulate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border. The initiative seeks to align cross-border movement with international norms while addressing concerns raised by neighboring states. Speaking to the media, Singh outlined the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) plans to introduce stricter regulations. “The government is considering issuing visas to Myanmar nationals wishing to enter India. Entry will only be permitted with valid passports and visas,” he stated.
The FMR currently allows tribal communities residing along the border to travel up to 16 kilometers into each other’s territories without requiring a visa. However, this policy has faced criticism due to increasing security and demographic concerns. Singh emphasized that the current measures are interim solutions until a comprehensive framework is established. “We are committed to ensuring that FMR operations in Manipur adhere to international norms. Cross-border movement will be formalized through visas and passports after discussions with Myanmar are finalized,” he added.
The Chief Minister also addressed opposition from some neighboring states that have advocated for abolishing the FMR entirely. He assured that the government’s approach aims to strike a balance between maintaining historical ties with Myanmar and safeguarding national security.
