Panel visits 4 states to review free movement

In light of the Rohingya influx scare, a two-member panel of the Union home ministry visited four states bordering Myanmar to review the free movement regime (FMR), which gives free access to border population on either side.

Special Internal Security Secretary, Rina Mitra, and Joint Secretary North East, Satyendra Garg, visited Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur for the exercise. "Several border exit points were also visited to study the existing system. Meetings with the respective state chief secretaries, police chiefs, commissioners and officials of Assam Rifles were held, too," a home ministry official said. The committee will now submit a detailed report on the subject.

Earlier, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had expressed concern over the FMR at Indo-Myanmar border being used by insurgents for various illegal activities.

In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the Home Ministry has said that Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar living in India have terror links and need to be deported. The Centre has also asked states to identify such elements.
This was followed by setting up of the committee to review exiting regulations and make assessment.

According to the FMR, people living within 16 km of the border are allowed visa-free access on either side and can stay up to 72 hours with valid permits issued by the designated authorities.