Answer:

Introduction:

The Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar has been a cornerstone of their bilateral relations, allowing residents near the border to freely traverse within a 16 km radius without the need for a visa. Initiated in 1970 and rejuvenated in 2016 as part of India’s Act East Policy, the FMR aimed to bolster socio-economic and cultural ties between the communities on both sides of the border. However, recent security challenges, particularly following the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, have prompted India to reconsider this regime, leading to discussions on its suspension and the potential fortification of the border.

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The Free Movement Regime (FMR)

• Origins and Purpose: 
  • The FMR was established to acknowledge and facilitate the deep-rooted ethnic, familial, and cultural connections across the India-Myanmar border. 
  • It was designed to sustain the social and economic linkages that have historically existed between the border communities.
• Resurgence under Act East Policy: 
  • The regime found renewed emphasis within India’s Act East Policy, aiming to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, with the border communities benefiting from eased restrictions on cross-border movement.

Suspension of the FMR and Its Impact on Bilateral Relations

• Reasons for Reconsideration: 
  • The reconsideration of the FMR has been driven by increasing security concerns, including insurgencies, smuggling, drug trafficking, and the influx of refugees following the 2021 Myanmar military coup.
• Impact on Border Communities: 
  • The proposed termination and border fortification have raised concerns among the border communities, who fear the loss of their socio-economic and cultural exchanges. 
  • Opposition from states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur highlights the deep-seated ethnic connections and the potential socio-economic disruptions caused by such measures.
• Government Responses and Implementation Challenges: 
  • The Indian government’s plans to introduce advanced fencing technologies face opposition from local communities and political entities, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both security needs and cultural ties.

Broader Geopolitical Consequences

• Influence on Act East Policy: 
  • The suspension of the FMR could affect India’s strategic initiatives in Southeast Asia, potentially impacting projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and altering India-Myanmar diplomatic relations.
• Regional Security and Humanitarian Concerns: 
  • The military coup in Myanmar and the ensuing humanitarian crisis underscore the complexity of the border situation, challenging India to navigate between securing its borders and supporting the affected communities.
• Strategic Recalibration: 
  • India’s policy adjustments reflect an effort to address both immediate security concerns and long-term regional stability, requiring diplomatic finesse and collaboration with Myanmar and other regional stakeholders.

Conclusion:

The suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar marks a significant pivot in their bilateral relations, driven by evolving security dynamics and the challenges posed by the military coup in Myanmar. While aimed at addressing pressing security concerns, the suspension and proposed border fortification measures have sparked debates over their impact on the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the border communities. As India navigates these complexities, it faces the dual challenge of securing its borders and maintaining the historical and cultural continuities that define the India-Myanmar borderlands. The way forward requires a nuanced approach that balances security imperatives with the preservation of cross-border ethnic and familial ties, underscoring the intricate interplay between national security and human connectivity in border management policies​​​​​​.

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