Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday announced that the Indian government plans to implement comprehensive fencing along the India-Myanmar border, similar to the protection in place at the country's boundary with Bangladesh.
Addressing the passing out parade of the inaugural batch of the five newly constituted Assam Police Commando battalions in Guwahati, Shah revealed the decision to terminate the free movement of people at the India-Myanmar border.
"The Narendra Modi government has decided that the India-Myanmar border, which is open, will be protected by barbed fencing. The entire border will have barbed fencing like what we have at the India-Bangladesh border," Shah stated.
He further explained that the Indian government is reconsidering the Free Movement Regime agreement with Myanmar, aiming to halt this facility.
The Free Movement Regime currently enables residents on both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa. The decision comes in the wake of the government's plan to fence a 300-km stretch of the border.
The move holds significance as more than 31,000 people from Myanmar, primarily from the Chin state, sought refuge in Mizoram following the military coup in February 2021.
Additionally, several Myanmar soldiers stationed near the international border with India fled to Mizoram amid clashes with the People's Defence Force (PDF) militia group.
Shah also highlighted the notable improvements in the country's law and order during the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He criticised the Congress, alleging corruption in government job recruitments during its tenure and contrasting it with the BJP's administration, where he claimed no bribes were required for employment.
Regarding the Ayodhya consecration ceremony, Shah expressed pride in the event, stating that Lord Ram's return home after 550 years is a matter of national pride.
He emphasised this achievement at a time when India is progressing towards becoming a global superpower.
Congratulating the 2,551 commandos inducted into the Assam Police, the Home Minister acknowledged the force's rich history of overcoming challenges such as riots during the Partition, refugee issues, infiltration, the Bangladesh liberation war, insurgency, and drug-related problems.
The minister commended the Assam Police for its resilience and success in tackling these diverse challenges.
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