The India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime

INTRODUCTION

In 1826, the British government established a border between India and Burma that cut through villages and even individual homes. This line, like many British-drawn borders, was contested and divided between people of the same ethnicity, tribe, and even families between two countries. Despite the lack of physical barriers, the border was easily crossed. When World War II reached the Indian subcontinent, it did so via Burma.

During this time the people in the area were displaced; they returned only after the war was over. Over the years, as India grew but Myanmar saw a lot of instability, with rebellion movements to change governments, the country remained mostly unstable. This instability resulted in refugees taking shelter in India.  

Illustration by The Geostrata

In 1970, India and Myanmar signed the “free movement regime,” which allowed citizens of both countries to cross the border freely up to 16 km. This move was welcomed largely by the natives of the region, as many of their relatives and families were living in either country. The free movement regime was renewed from time to time; the latest came in 2016.

THREATS FROM THE FREE MOVEMENT REGIME

The free movement regime allows individuals from other countries to cross the border freely, due to which there are large-scale attempts of drug trafficking, cattle smuggling, gun trafficking, terror infiltration, and refugees taking shelter in India. The states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh share a border with Myanmar; all these states have highlighted the issue of illegal immigration in their states. 

There is a possibility that free movement arrangements between India and Myanmar permit an erosion of cultural identity due to the mingling of intermingling cultures, which can blur the lines of distinct traditional practices. This could also create a situation where special, localised traditions are overshadowed or replaced by overlapping traditions, which might result in the gradual loss of cultural identity.

Additionally, there is a possibility of homogenisation owing to the blending of cultures, where the uniqueness of a community is replaced by a regional identity. Similarly, there could be an issue of identity confusion as individuals grapple with influences from multiple cultures. Additionally, cultural connections and competition could eventually lead to conflict and tension over cultural preservation and primacy.

In 2017, the Rohingya Muslims faced a tough time in Myanmar, due to which many fled to Bangladesh, and many illegally crossed the Indian border and took refuge in India.

In 2021, when the world was gripped by the COVID crisis, Myanmar experienced a military coup. The Junta, taking charge of replacing the civilian leadership, soon began its crackdown on the rebel group in the country. With such instability in the country, many people started taking refuge in India.

This made it difficult for the government to allocate resources, and with illegal migration, it hampered the national security of the country. Even the demographics of the state and the region are disturbed due to the illegal migration. With no physical barrier on the border, through the Myanmar border, fake currency and drug smuggling were rampant, giving hard time to the security forces. Although there are security forces deployed, the smugglers still manage to sneak through.  

India too faces a militant threat in the region as various northeastern rebel groups take shelter in Myanmar and operate from there. Even during the instability in Manipur, militant groups from Myanmar were supporting the violence in the region. 

As the militants are not on Indian soil, it makes it difficult for Indian forces to operate against them. These militants are very familiar with the jungle and are experts in gorilla warfare; now, with instability in Myanmar, they are getting weapons and aids easily. Recently, Myanmar took over Afghanistan as the opium-producing nation, many of which are unregulated and unorganised. This drug is often smuggled to India. All these challenges have led to volatility in the region, due to which development and peace are hampered.

SCRAPPNG OF FREE MOVEMENT REGIME

Recently, the Indian government took the decision to scrap the free movement regime with Myanmar as it poses a serious national security threat to India. It has also decided to fence the border with Myanmar. The total length of the border is around 1643 km, of which only 6 km is fenced. The scrapping of the free movement regime will restrict cross-border movements, which will also reduce drug and arms trafficking incidents. But it will also affect the natives of the region, as they have families and relatives in Myanmar. There are even individuals who often cross the border for purposes like business and education. 

The government has conducted a survey of the border area and mapped it with the help of drones. The aim now is to fence the border and stop cross-border movement. The estimated time to complete the physical barrier is around five years, but it will be a significant challenge, as the border region is densely forested, and there will likely be resistance from the native population. Handling the situation peacefully will be challenging for both the security forces and the government.

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BY JATIN CHAWLA

TEAM GEOSTRATA

info@thegeostrata.com