India Implements Stricter Border Controls, Allows 7,000 Myanmar Migrants After Collecting Biometric Data

By Nidhi Giri
Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:58 AM (IST)
Source:JND

India has allowed the movement of 7,000 people from Myanmar border after collecting their documents as well as biometric details, which are linked to the National Data Centre. The entry has been taking place as part of the stricter Free Movement Regime (FMR) that is now in place at the border with the neighbouring country.

India shares a 1,643-km border with Myanmar which passes through Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km). Demarcation of 1,472 km of the border has been completed.

In 2024, the Centre had announced that it would discontinue the FMR but faced resentment from different sections, including the BJP in Nagaland and Mizoram. Manipur’s Naga and Kuki-Zo communities also opposed the move.

Following this, the Centre in late December sent communications to the governments of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, directing them to implement an amended and firmer FMR instead.

People from Myanmar are being allowed entry from 22 border points, which will be increased to 43. Security personnel are issuing “border passes” after collecting their biometric details, address and credentials, said a senior Assam Rifles officer, as quoted by an Indian Express report.

As per the amended FMR protocol, people from both the countries have to produce proof of residence within 10 km of the border issued by the local police station, village chief or any government-recognised authority. The Assam Rifles personnel then collect the photographs and biometric details including fingerprints and issue them a border pass valid for seven days, informed the officer.

“We are collecting their details (because) we should know who is coming and staying in our areas. If anyone commits anything wrong, we should know their whereabouts,” the officer said, as quoted by the report.