Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio Friday announced plans to personally lead an all-party delegation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the issue of Free Movement Regime (FMR) affecting Nagas living along both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border matter.
Addressing the Assembly on the fourth day of the ongoing session, Dr Rio assured the House that the state government will convey its stance on the Free Movement Regime (FMR) at the Indo-Myanmar border to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Rio referred to the MHA directive (Letter No.1/76/2024-BM-II dated 24.12.2024), which restricts movement across the Indo-Myanmar border. The new guidelines allow cross-border movement only for those residing within 10 km of the border and limit passage to 43 designated crossing points, including nine in Nagaland. Border passes will be issued by Assam Rifles officials, while state authorities must deploy police and health officials at each entry/exit point.
Dr. Rio acknowledged that these restrictions would impact Naga communities on both sides of the border, disrupting historical, social, cultural, tribal, and economic ties. Many families, he noted, cross the border for farming, education, and healthcare, making humanitarian considerations crucial in any policy changes.
He said the Nagaland government has consistently raised concerns with the MHA and recalled that the state cabinet deliberated on the border fencing proposal on February 8, 2024. The cabinet urged the continuation of the FMR while advocating for a regulated system developed in consultation with border residents. Village councils, he emphasized, should be involved in decision-making.
He said on February 14, 2024, the Nagaland chief secretary wrote to the Union Home Secretary, citing frequent cross-border movement due to familial and tribal ties, shared land ownership, and the sensitive nature of the issue. Again another letter, dated January 22, 2025, reiterated the state’s stance on restoring the FMR.
Dr. Rio also highlighted that the NLA adopted a unanimous resolution on March 1, 2024, urging the central government to reconsider the suspension of the FMR. The resolution cited the unique socio-cultural and economic links between Nagas on both sides of the border.
“I feel the sentiment of this august house needs to be communicated to the MHA in an appropriate manner,” Rio stated. He reaffirmed his commitment to leading the all-party delegation at the earliest to press the Home Minister for policy reconsideration and ensure that border communities’ concerns are addressed.