MHA Tightens Border Movement in Mizoram, Manipur

Aizawl/Imphal- Following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the movement of people along the unfenced Mizoram-Myanmar border will now be regulated. This decision comes after a similar measure was implemented in Manipur. The new system replaces the previously suspended Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed border residents to travel 16 km into each other's territory without passports or visas.

Under the new scheme, residents within 10 km of the border on both the Indian and Bangladeshi sides will require a border pass to cross the border. This pass will be valid for a stay of up to seven days and can be obtained by submitting government-issued documents verifying residency within the 10 km limit.

“State police, health officials and Assam Rifles would monitor the system," a Mizoram Home Department official stated. Designated Assam Rifles officers will issue the passes based on the submitted documents. The pass will be valid for one week and allow for specific purposes such as family visits, tourism, business, medical needs, sports, official duties, border trade, seminars, and cultural exchanges.

The MHA has also introduced a similar border pass system for Myanmar nationals residing within 10 km of the India-Myanmar border, allowing limited entry into Manipur for specific purposes. Movement will be strictly regulated within 10 km of the border and will be granted to holders of 'Border Pass' issued by authorized representatives of Assam Rifles.

Six Mizoram districts border Myanmar's Chin state along a 510 km stretch: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.

The MHA's new system has also garnered criticism. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body of the majority Meitei community in Manipur, has strongly opposed the new system, calling it "unfortunate" and detrimental to the state's interests and people. COCOMI considers the MHA notification a threat to Manipur's security and communal harmony and has urged for its withdrawal.