Guwahati, Aug 13: Union Government has directed Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to speed up efforts in fencing of the India-Myanmar border to prevent illegal immigration, militant activity and drug trafficking through the porous boundary.
India shares a 1,643 km international border with Myanmar of which Arunachal shares 520 km, Nagaland – 215 km, Manipur – 398 km, and Mizoram – 510 km. Currently, only 10 km of the border in Manipur is fenced.
In February, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans for fencing the entire border, leading to protests in Mizoram and Nagaland. The recent central directive excludes Nagaland and Mizoram due to their opposition.
MHA has asked state govts to coordinate with Assam Rifles and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to finalise locations and alignments for the fence.
Last year, Government of India suspended the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar, which was vehemently opposed by Mizoram and Nagaland.
The Mizoram Assembly on February 28, this year, adopted an unanimous resolution opposing the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and eliminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
The Nagaland government and almost all organisations in the state are also against the border fencing and abolishing of the FMR.
