1.
FMR between India and Myanmar
◊ Formalized in 2018 as part of India’s Act East Policy.
◊ Allows visa-free travel within 16 km of border for residents.
◊ Reason for FMR regime: ethnic and familial es across the border; trans-border commerce
through customs and border haats.
Reasons for Scrapping FMR:
◊ Uncontrolled immigra on from Myanmar leading to demographic changes.
◊ Meitei-Kuki tensions linked to perceived illegal migra on of tribal Kuki-Chin communi es.
◊ Exodus of junta soldiers seeking sanctuary in Mizoram.
◊ UNODC says Myanmar’s poli cal unrest fuels regional narco cs surge.
Way Forward
◊ Give the Assam Rifles the single mandate of guarding border and Expedite construc on of
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along with other infrastructure.
◊ Need of diploma c agility in India’s engagement with Myanmar.
◊ Community engagement: Involve tribal communi es in decision making.
Government has extended AFSPA in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh by another
6 months.
Key highlights of AFSPA
◊ Disturbed areas declara on to restore order.
◊ Immunity to Armed forces personnel
◊ Treatment of arrested person with least possible delay.
◊ Applicability: Parts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Issues with AFSPA
◊ Right to life, right to remedy, right to be free from arbitrary depriva on of liberty are being
violated
◊ Violates UDHR, ICCPR, Conven on Against Torture and UN Code of Conduct for Law
