India is concerned
that the free movement regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar is being misused
by terrorists to smuggle arms and drugs across the porous border between the
two countries.
Accordingly, Indian
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has ordered the formation of a committee to examine
the rules under the FMR between the two countries.
“Government will
constitute Special Secretary, Internal Security-headed committee to examine the
present rules adopted by Border States for implementation of Free Movement
Regime. The committee will submit its report in three months after consulting
the states and other stake holders,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said after a
review meeting of the India-Myanmar border issues.
The Free Movement
Regime allows visa free travel up to 16 km across the India-Myanmar border on
each side.
India shares a 1,643
km-long border with Myanmar which include the Indian states of Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.