Daily Current Affairs for UPSC : 26 Dec 2024/What is Free Movement Regime (FMR)?

 The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a bilateral arrangement between India and Myanmar designed to facilitate the movement of border communities across the international boundary. It aims to preserve the demographic and cultural structure of the Northeastern states of India bordering Myanmar while balancing national security and socio-economic needs.

What is an FMR?

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a bilateral agreement between India and Myanmar designed to facilitate the movement of border communities. It allows members of hill tribes residing within 16 kilometers on either side of the border to cross into the neighboring country using a border pass valid for one year. Under this arrangement, individuals can stay for up to two weeks without requiring a visa.This policy, implemented in 2018 as part of India’s Act East Policy, aims to preserve the historical and social connections shared by the border communities. It also supports activities such as trade, cultural exchanges, and familial visits, making it a noteworthy example of cross-border collaboration while addressing complex challenges.

  :Origin and History

1. Historical and Ethnic Ties:
   • The India-Myanmar border region (1,643 km long) is inhabited by ethnic groups such as Nagas, Kukis, Chins, and Mizos, who share cultural, linguistic, and familial ties.
   • These communities have coexisted for centuries, with traditional trade, festivals, and familial relations forming the backbone of their interaction.
2. Colonial Era:
   • The border was delineated by the British during the colonial period, splitting these ethnic groups across the two nations. This artificial boundary disrupted their traditional way of life.
   • Recognizing the socio-cultural fabric, the colonial administration allowed unrestricted cross-border movement for these communities.
3. Post-Independence:
   • After India’s independence (1947) and Myanmar’s independence (1948), both nations agreed to maintain the cross-border movement of these communities under the Free Movement Regime.
   • The agreement formalized movement within a 16-kilometer buffer zone on either side of the border, enabling communities to carry on with traditional practices and social activities.
4. Strategic and Economic Importance:
   • The FMR was also seen as a tool to foster goodwill and cooperation between India and Myanmar, particularly in the sensitive border regions of India’s Northeast.

Present Status:

1. Key Features:
   • Under the FMR, people residing within 16 km of the Indo-Myanmar border can move freely across the border without a visa for up to 72 hours.
   • Movement is restricted to designated border crossing points with a border pass issued by authorities.
2. Affected States in India:
   • Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram are the Northeastern states bordering Myanmar that are part of the FMR.
3. Purpose:
   • To preserve the traditional demographic structure of these regions by allowing cross-border social, cultural, and trade interactions.
   • To support the local economy, which often depends on cross-border trade and agricultural exchanges.
4. Challenges:
   • Security Concerns:
     • The porous border is exploited by insurgents, smugglers, and drug traffickers.
     • Militant groups often use Myanmar as a safe haven.
   • Illegal Trade:
     • Smuggling of narcotics, weapons, wildlife, and counterfeit goods undermines regional stability.
   • Demographic Impact:
     • Unregulated migration and illegal settlements can disturb the demographic balance and strain local resources.
   • Health Risks:
     • Unchecked movement increases the risk of diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, in these regions.
5. Steps Taken:
   • Strengthened Border Security:
     • Deployment of forces like the Assam Rifles to monitor cross-border activities.
     • Construction of border fencing in critical areas.
   • Bilateral Cooperation:
     • India and Myanmar conduct joint military operations to tackle insurgency and smuggling.
   • Digitization of Border Passes:
     • Initiatives to modernize border passes and improve monitoring.

Significance of FMR:

1. Preserving Demographic and Cultural Integrity:
   • Ensures the sustenance of historical ties and cultural continuity for border communities.
2. Promoting Local Economies:
   • Enables local trade and agricultural exchanges that are critical for livelihoods.
3. Strategic Importance:
   • Acts as a confidence-building measure between India and Myanmar.
   • Helps India maintain its influence in the region amidst China’s increasing presence in Myanmar.

Way Forward:

1. Modernizing FMR:
   • Introduce smart border management systems, including biometric border passes and digital surveillance.
2. Balancing Security and Cultural Needs:
   • Tighten security measures to curb illegal activities while ensuring legitimate movement for border communities.
3. Enhanced Bilateral Coordination:
   • Strengthen joint mechanisms with Myanmar to tackle insurgency, trafficking, and illegal trade.
4. Community Engagement:
   • Collaborate with local leaders and community organizations to foster compliance and trust.

The Free Movement Regime remains a vital framework for maintaining the demographic and cultural structure of India’s Northeastern states. However, its continued relevance depends on effectively addressing its challenges while preserving its core objectives.