• UGI USER
  • Jan 03, 2024
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GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO END FREE MOVEMENT REGIME (FMR)

Why in the News?

  • The FMR, allowing people along the India-Myanmar border to cross 16 km without a visa, is set to end making visas mandatory for entry.
  • The government plans to initiate tendering for an advanced smart fencing system for the entire border .
Source: ToI

Objective Behind Ending FMR:

The objective is to prevent FMR misuse by insurgent groups for attacks and escape to Myanmar, also aiming to stop illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gold smuggling.

Background and Implementation of FMR:

  • Implemented in 2018 under the Act East policy, FMR allowed tribes within 16 km of the border to travel without a visa.
  • Each member of hill tribes could cross with a border pass, valid for a year, staying up to two weeks.
  • Manipur suspended FMR in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
About Act East Policy

·    Act East Policy is an Indian foreign policy initiative.

·    Launched in 2014, it aims to boost economic ties, cultural exchanges, and strategic cooperation with East Asian countries.

·    Prioritizes engagement with ASEAN nations and East Asia to enhance connectivity, trade, and people-to-people contact.

·    Focuses on the dynamic and rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region.

·    Strengthens India’s role in regional geopolitics.