Overview

• India suspends the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar to enhance internal security and maintain the demographic structure of northeastern states.
• The decision aims to curb illegal immigration, drug and arms trafficking, and address the spillover effect of Myanmar's crisis on India.
• The Free Movement Regime allowed cross-border movement up to 16 km without a visa, facilitating local trade and access to education and healthcare.
• India plans to fence the entire 1,643-km border with Myanmar and construct a patrol pathway to improve surveillance.
• The move has evoked mixed reactions from northeastern states, with concerns about dividing ethnic communities and impacting local trade.