Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB)

Introduction

Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram share a common border with Myanmar. A Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) is constituted by Myanmar and India to discuss all boundary-related issues/ challenges in a systematic way. Facility of Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar is a key achievement of both countries’ relationship.

• Any person, who is a citizen of India or Myanmar, belonging to a hill tribe and a resident of any area within 16 kilometres on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) can move across the border with the presentation of a one year border pass issued by a Competent Authority under the FMR. 
• Citizens of Myanmar can travel to India and vice versa and stay for up to two weeks in an area within 16 kilometres of the Myanmar-India border.

Issues 

• Insurgency in the north-east: No proper barrier or border outposts are there; insurgents make use of poorly guarded borders and flee across when pursued by the Indian security force.
• Location of the boundary at the drugs golden triangle: The drugs golden triangle facilitates the unrestricted illegal flow of drugs into Indian territory. 
• Illegal migration: India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border and people on either side have familial ties. Agencies have to take prompt steps in identifying the-illegal migrants and initiate the deportation processes expeditiously and without delay. 

Important Initiatives 

• Fence erection and road building: work for fence erection and road building has been going on.  
• Government Initiative: To boost India’s interaction with SAARC nations such as Thailand and Myanmar, the Cabinet recently suggested the establishment of 13 new Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). 
• India’s support in the construction of Integrated Checkpoint at Tamu, Myanmar, bordering Manipur state. 
• Opening of coordinated bus service between Mandalay and Imphal.