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According to a senior Assam Rifles official, cross-border movement is now regulated through 43 designated entry points, but currently only 22 are operational, where, after collecting biometric data, addresses, and other credentials from individuals seeking entry, the force gives passes
After verifying the details, Assam Rifles personnel capture photographs, record biometric information—including fingerprints—and issue passes. Representational image/X
Months after tightening regulations under the amended Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border (IMB), the central government has permitted cross-border movement for 7,000 individuals after collecting their biometric details, linked to the National Data Centre.
Last year, the Centre announced its decision to scrap the FMR. Later, it opted to implement a stricter version of the FMR instead and, in December, directed the governments of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland to enforce the revised system.
According to a senior Assam Rifles official, cross-border movement is now regulated through 43 designated entry points, but currently only 22 are operational, where, after collecting biometric data, addresses, and other credentials from individuals seeking entry, the force gives passes.
“From December, individuals have been required to present a certificate from their village authorities. After verifying their details, Assam Rifles personnel capture photographs, record biometric information—including fingerprints—and issue passes. We are compiling this data to keep track of who is entering and staying in our areas. If any misconduct occurs, we will have records of their movements,” the officer noted.
Under the amended FMR, residents within 10 km of the border in both countries can visit each other using a border pass valid for seven days. To obtain this pass, individuals must provide proof of residence issued by a local police station, village chief, or government-recognised authority. The pass, intended for single entry, must be surrendered at the same crossing point upon return.
India’s 1,643 km border with Myanmar runs through Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km). Of this, 1,472 km has already been demarcated.
