TIA NEWS /
The government of India has set up an expert committee to examine the rules which allow free movement of Indian and Myanmarese citizens within 16 kms of the border, but are exploited by militants for smuggling arms, drugs, and fake Indian currency. The decision was taken at a meeting of chief ministers of the northeastern states which share a porous border with Myanmar Monday.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh decided to constitute the committee, headed by the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr Singh addressing a press conference in Aizawl said that with the fast improving security situation in this region, militants are denied hideouts and some of them have relocated themselves across the border.
“I constitute a committee headed by special secretary internal security to examine the present rules and regulations adopted by the border states for the implementation of the free movement regime and to give recommendation for uniform and effective implementation of free movement regime. Special secretary internal security will summit the report within a 3 months,” Home minister said.
India’s 1,643-km border with Myanmar touches four states, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It is unique in many ways as it has a visa-free movement regime for people living within 16 kms on either side of the border. They can stay up to 72 hours with effective and valid permits issued by the designated authority on either side.
Speaking on the development of North Eastern States the Home Minister said, the Centre is committed to fast tracking the development initiatives in the region, especially in the border areas.
“The region unfortunately suffered development deficit due to the pro long insurgency and happy to know that the situation has significantly improve all over specially in last 3 years. Our government is committed fast track the development of the North-East region.”