NEW DELHI: India has announced plans to construct a fence along its expansive and porous border with Myanmar, coupled with the termination of a free movement border zone agreement, as confirmed by Home Minister Amit Shah. This decision follows the influx of hundreds of Myanmar troops seeking refuge in India after facing insurgent attacks.
During his visit to the northeastern state of Assam, Shah stated that the government has resolved to “fence the entire open India-Myanmar border.” The border spans over 1,200 kilometers, featuring diverse terrains from remote jungles to towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks. While specific details regarding the timeframe and construction methods remain undisclosed, Shah affirmed the discontinuation of the free movement agreement, which permitted residents in border areas to travel short distances into each other’s territory without a visa.
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The termination of this agreement holds significance, considering the shared cultural and religious ties among residents in the border zones. India has previously implemented fencing along its borders, covering over 2,000 kilometers with Pakistan and approximately 3,100 kilometers with Bangladesh, based on government statistics from 2021.
Recent tensions in parts of Myanmar near the Indian border have escalated due to clashes, particularly since the Arakan Army’s attacks on security forces in November, ending a ceasefire established after a 2021 military coup. In October, an alliance, including Arakan Army insurgents and other ethnic minority fighters, launched a joint offensive in northern Myanmar, capturing crucial trade hubs along the Chinese border.
While a China-mediated ceasefire was declared earlier this month by the alliance, it does not extend to areas near the Indian border, where conflicts persist. The Indian government’s decision to fortify the border aims to address security concerns amid the ongoing unrest in Myanmar.
