Fresh clashes between Chin ethnic armed groups—CNDF and CDF-H—in Myanmar’s Chin State have led to the displacement of around 4,000 Chin refugees, who crossed into Mizoram’s Champhai district through the Zokhawthar–Tiau River border.

India–Myanmar Border and FMR

Historical and Ethnic Context of the Border Issue

• The India–Myanmar border stretches 1,643 km, passing through four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
• Ethnic fragmentation began with:
  • Myanmar's separation from British India in 1935.
  • India's independence in 1947.
• This disrupted the traditional boundaries of ethnic communities like the Nagas, Kukis, and Chins—leading to identity, security, and sovereignty challenges.
• The Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ) in Myanmar and Eastern Nagaland in India are inhabited by closely-knit ethnic groups who now find themselves split by an artificial boundary.

Free Movement Regime (FMR)

• FMR allows border residents to travel up to 16 km across the Indo–Myanmar border without a visa.
• It was formalized to:
  • Preserve traditional ties, kinship, and economic interdependence.
  • Enable students, traders, and families to move freely.
  • Reduce alienation caused by the hardening of borders.

Shortcomings of the Free Movement Regime

• Smuggling: Contraband and narcotics are moved under the guise of head-loads, which bypass inspection under FMR.
• Insurgent Movement:
  • Militant groups such as NSCN-K, ULFA, and NDFB exploit the porous border to establish safe havens in Myanmar.
  • These groups conduct strikes in India and retreat into Myanmar.
• External Interference:
  • China has been suspected of offering logistical and intelligence support to these insurgent groups.
• Geographic Constraints:
  • The border is heavily forested, mountainous, and difficult to patrol, complicating surveillance and response.

Border Fencing and its Impacts

• The construction of fences to strengthen border security has raised strong opposition from local communities.
• Affected ethnic groups: Konyaks, Khiamniungans, and Yimchungers.
• Concerns:
  • Loss of access to ancestral lands, cultivated fields, and forest produce.
  • Disruption of cultural and familial links across borders.
  • Risk of fueling anti-establishment sentiments and destabilizing peace in the region.

Policy Recommendations: Border Management Strategy

Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)

• Conduct tripartite talks involving:
  • Government of India (GoI)
  • Myanmar authorities
  • Local ethnic stakeholders (via state government)

Inclusive Development Initiatives

• Launch cross-border socio-economic programmes:
  • Improve livelihood options to reduce dependence on illegal trade.
  • Focus on connectivity, education, health, and micro-enterprises.

Balanced Security Approach

• Implement:
  • Selective fencing in critical hotspots (not blanket fencing).
  • Use of technology (drones, thermal imaging, satellite surveillance).
  • Regulated movement through monitored crossing points.

Policy Assurance

• Assure locals that fencing decisions will not be unilateral.
• Consultation with affected communities must precede any construction or enforcement measure.

Way Forward

• India must balance its national security interests with ethnic sensitivities and humanitarian considerations.
• A multi-pronged approach involving:
  • Smart border management
  • Ethno-cultural respect
  • Bilateral cooperation with Myanmar
  • Integrated development of the border region
• Strengthening people-to-people ties, rather than erecting hard barriers, may enhance long-term peace and security.