Manipur CM Reaffirms Commitment to Border Fencing Amid Local Protests

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has announced that the border fencing along the India-Myanmar border will proceed despite local opposition. This decision comes in the wake of increasing concerns over infiltration, drug smuggling, and other illegal cross-border activities.

The fencing project, spearheaded by the Union Home Ministry through the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is aimed at enhancing security and maintaining demographic stability in the northeastern states bordering Myanmar. This region, known for its porous borders, has been a conduit for various illegal activities, prompting the central government to take stringent measures.

Manipur shares a 398-kilometer-long border with Myanmar, a significant stretch that poses considerable challenges in terms of security management. In addition to Manipur, other northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram also share unfenced borders with Myanmar, collectively spanning 1,643 kilometers. The decision to fence these borders has not been without controversy, particularly due to the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows residents within 16 kilometers of the border to move freely between India and Myanmar without requiring passports or visas.

Local leaders in Churachandpur district have reportedly threatened workers involved in the fencing project, urging them to cease their activities. Despite these threats, Chief Minister Singh has assured that the issues will be resolved and the project will continue. He emphasized the importance of the fencing in curbing infiltration and drug smuggling, which have been persistent problems in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously announced the termination of the FMR and the initiation of the border fencing project to bolster national security and safeguard the demographic composition of the northeastern states. This decision has met with resistance, particularly from Mizoram and Nagaland, where local communities have strong ties across the border and rely on the FMR for maintaining these connections.

In tandem with the border fencing efforts, the Manipur government has been cracking down on the issuance of fake Inner Line Permits (ILPs). The ILP system, established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, regulates the entry of non-residents into certain areas of northeastern India. Recent raids led to the discovery of operations producing fake ILPs, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals, including a clerk from the labor department. These fake permits, produced at various computer centers and mobile repair shops, were believed to number around 3,500.

To further investigate and address this issue, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an Additional Superintendent of Police-rank officer has been formed. The Chief Minister has urged those in possession of fake ILP cards to surrender them to the authorities immediately. He also highlighted the implementation of an ILP facial recognition system to identify and catch defaulters.

Despite the local resistance and the challenges involved, the Manipur government remains steadfast in its commitment to secure the border. The fencing project, coupled with stricter enforcement of the ILP system, represents a significant step towards enhancing the state's security and stability.

This firm stance underscores the broader efforts by the Indian government to tackle cross-border issues and ensure the safety and integrity of its northeastern regions, even as it navigates the complex socio-political landscape of the area.