Centre invites Manipur Nagas to discuss FMR with Myanmar , Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Centre has invited the United Naga Council (UNC) for talks in New Delhi regarding the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar.
• The meeting, scheduled for August 26, was initiated by A.K. Mishra, Adviser (North East) to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The decision to fence the 1,643 km border with Myanmar and abolish the FMR is opposed by Naga groups in Manipur and Nagaland.

Detailed Insights:

• The FMR allowed people residing along the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa, fostering trade and cultural exchange.
• Naga groups fear that fencing the border will disrupt the traditional lands and kinship ties of the Naga community, which straddles both India and Myanmar.
• The Ministry of External Affairs has defended the decision, citing security concerns and the need to prevent illegal immigration and smuggling.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Free Movement Regime (FMR): A visa-free border crossing arrangement for residents living near the international border.
• United Naga Council (UNC): The apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur, advocating for the community's interests.