What it is: Free Movement Regime allows residents within a specified radius on either side of the India-Myanmar border to move freely without visas for familial, cultural, and economic purposes.
Nations involved: India and Myanmar.
Law governing: Established in 1968.
Regulated under bilateral agreements and administrative protocols between the two nations.
Features of Free Movement Regime:
Territorial Limit: Initially 40 km, reduced to 16 km in 2004, and now proposed at 10 km.
Border Pass System: Residents receive a pass for a maximum stay of seven days in the neighbouring country, monitored by Assam Rifles and state authorities.
Regulated Entry Points: 43 designated entry and exit points, with biometric verification and health checks mandatory.
Indian States Involved (Border Length):
- Arunachal Pradesh: 520 km.
- Nagaland: 215 km.
- Manipur: 398 km.
- Mizoram: 510 km.
MCQs
Consider the following statements regarding the Free Movement Regime (FMR):
- It allows residents within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border to move freely without visas.
- It is regulated by bilateral agreements and monitored by the Indian Army.
- Biometric verification and health checks are mandatory at regulated entry points.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
Which of the following countries is a sovereign enclave entirely surrounded by another country?
(a) Bhutan
(b) Lesotho
(c) Nepal
(d) Andorra
Read more: Lesotho
