Fencing pillar erected by Myanmar government along Indo-Myanmar border, ITC Dan, Pangsha under Noklak District. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 7
Emphasising the age-old historical, social, cultural, tribal and economic ties shared by Naga communities on both sides of the border, Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio has once again urged the Central Government to reconsider its decision to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Giving a brief background on the floor of the Assembly, Rio informed the House that GoI vide MHA letter No.1/76/2024-BM-II dated December 24, 2024 has issued instructions allowing the cross-border movement of people residing in the “Border Area” i.e., within 10 kms on each side of the Indo-Myanmar Border.
It further, directed the State Government to deploy at least two police personnel and two health officials at each of the entry/exit points at COBs of Assam Rifles for smooth implementation.
The directive, he said also mandates that movement across the border will now be limited to 43 designated crossing points, with only those possessing a “Border Pass” issued by the Assam Rifles being allowed entry. Out of these, nine of these crossing points fall within Nagaland where the state government is being directed by MHA to undertake checking of Myanmar nationals for their border pass and take appropriate action on their overstay/any other unauthorised activity.
Dr Rio highlighted the practical difficulties which will impede the close familial ties between the communities who live along the border and depend on cross-border movement for farming.
“Moreover, there is movement of people across the IMB to avail of health and education facilities and hence on humanitarian considerations the above restrictions need to be re-looked upon” he stated.
Steps taken by State government
Stating that his government has been highlighting these issues to the MHA on numerous occasions, Dr Rio also recalled that on February 8, 2024, the State Cabinet had deliberated on the MHA’s proposal for fencing the Indo-Myanmar border and had unanimously decided to request the Central Government to restore the FMR with appropriate regulations in consultation with border communities.
The Cabinet reiterated this stand in meetings held on January 6, 2025 and subsequent letters were sent to the Union Home Secretary on February 14, 2024 and January 22, 2025 citing the significant to and fro movement across the borders due to familial and tribal ties, ownership of residential and agricultural lands and sensitive nature of the issue among the people living in the border areas, he informed.
Additionally, Dr Rio informed that the Fourth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution; “On Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB)” adopted by voice vote on March 1, 2024 appealing the Government of India to reconsider its decision to suspend the FMR along the IMB.
In light of this, he proposed forming an all-party delegation to meet the Union Home Minister at the earliest opportunity to directly convey the sentiments of the Naga people and urge for a review of the policy.
“I proposed that, led by an all party delegation to meet the Union Home Minister, GoI at the earliest opportune time, because my voice raised in NEC meeting in his presence, and also cabinet meeting on the 6th, which was convened by Chief Secretary, there is no reaction and reply,” stated Dr Rio.
He viewed that all party delegation will meet the Home Minister and appraised him in an ‘appropriate manner’ the concerns of the House expressed through unanimous resolution passed on March 1, 2024 and also the Cabinet decision taken on February 8, 2024 and January, 2025.
