Manipur Group Raises Concerns Over Border Pass Scheme

Imphal- The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei community organization, has vehemently opposed the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) newly implemented border pass system. The system, announced on December 24, allows for limited cross-border movement between India and Myanmar for residents within 10 km of the border.

COCOMI views the notification as a threat to Manipur's security and communal harmony. Yumkhaibam Surjit Kumar Khuman, COCOMI Media Coordinator, accused the Assam Rifles, responsible for border security, of "bias and of facilitating illegal activities." He urged the government to withdraw the notification, claiming it would further jeopardize the state's integrity. COCOMI expressed concern that the new system would further endanger the state's security and social harmony, citing past damage caused by "Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists and infiltrators from Myanmar."

The MHA's letter to Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi outlines the new system, replacing the previously suspended Free Movement Regime (FMR). The scheme allows for individuals to obtain border passes, valid for one week, from the Assam Rifles for specific purposes such as family visits, tourism, business, medical needs, sports, official duty, border trade affairs, attendance in seminars or conferences and cultural exchange programmes.