Conditional access scheme amid fencing project, FMR scrap
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: December 28, 2024 -

THE reason why the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a new scheme that allows Myanmarese residing near the border to enter Manipur with a border pass, could be either fallout of the government of Manipur's failure to impress upon the centre about involvement of elements from across the border in the on-going conflict in the state or the various intelligence units feeding premeditated reports to the central government.

Though it is also possible that the ministry took the decision to dilute the chorus of condemnations from different sections of the society that the centre's initiative to fence the Indo-Myanmar border would severe fraternal and cultural bonds among the kindred tribes, and criticism over the cancellation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) that allowed residents in the border belt in both India and Myanmar have access to each other's territories for up to 16km without any transit documents, the policy also belittles the proposal by the N Biren-led government for proper sealing of the porous border and is akin to pouring cold water on state's civil society organisations which had been rejoicing over revocation of the FMR.

Even if chief minister N Biren denied having received formal notice about ministry of home affairs issuing notification on December 24 that Myanmar residents who live within 10 km of the border would be allowed to enter Manipur, with possession of a border pass from the Assam Rifles, such a move would be seen as the centre undermining general sentiment of the people of Manipur, who have been contending that Chin-Kuki residents of Myanmar have established settlements sans approval of the government authorities, besides abetting the on-going violence.

The MHA policy, no doubt, will also be applicable for Manipur's border residents who wish to visit Myanmar border villages but the development assumes significance as both the government of Manipur and influential civil societies have been demanding suspension of the free movement regime in Manipur sector of the India-Myanmar border.

Nevertheless, as the Centre has started implementation of the border fencing, the policy might be part of the ploy to pacify Naga and Kuki civil organisations which have raised strong objection to the idea of permanently sealing the border, pending completion of the fencing project.

On the other-hand, it is also possible that the voice of dissent would wane eventually in case security units being deployed in the border regions adhere to the policy's guidelines of establishing eight pilot entry/exit points to profile and monitor activities of those who enter Manipur in full compliance with the rules.

Notwithstanding the threat perception, the MHA outlined that the new system would facilitate movement of border residents from Myanmar and India, but within 10 km for "specific reasons such as visiting relatives, tourism, business, medical treatment and cultural exchange programmes would be allowed after following certain measures".

As it is obvious that the state wouldn't officially oppose the MHA's decision, the only option left is to deploy/appoint at least two police and two health officials at each of the identified entry/exit points of the Assam Rifles company operating bases where the people would be allowed to enter, as specified in the notification reportedly addressed to the chief secretary.

It is equally important that the state's representatives at these entry/exit points must be incorruptible personnel.