Vantage | Why India has a tough choice on its Myanmar border

(File) Soldiers stand next to military vehicles as people gather to protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar. Reuters

Of late, the spotlight has shifted towards the India-Myanmar border, where a complex interplay of factors has sparked debate and controversy. As one Indian neighbour grapples with internal turmoil, another faces the challenges of a civil war. There are multifaceted issues surrounding the proposed fencing of the India-Myanmar border and the divergent opinions within India’s own states.

Volatile and porous border

Myanmar, embroiled in a civil war, sees its ruling junta engaged in a struggle against ethnic rebel groups, resulting in territorial losses and military casualties. With India sharing a significant border stretch of approximately 1,600 kilometres with Myanmar, concerns over potential spillover effects loom large in New Delhi’s strategic calculations. Consequently, India’s decision to erect a fence along the border has stirred controversy, particularly among certain Indian states.

Mizoram, Nagaland oppose border fencing

Mizoram and Nagaland, bordering Myanmar, have voiced opposition to the proposed fencing. Mizoram’s stance, articulated through a resolution passed by its Assembly, stems from historical ties and shared ethnic communities straddling the border. The sentiment of reunification with kin across the border clashes with the imposition of a physical barrier, disrupting the longstanding Free Movement Regime (FMR) facilitating cross-border interactions.

“The British geographically divided the Zo ethnic people who have inhabited Mizoram and the Chin Hills of Myanmar for centuries together. We have been dreaming of reunification and cannot accept the India-Myanmar border imposed upon us,” said Mizoram home minister K Sapdanga.

Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh seek Myanmar border fencing

Under the FMR, residents near the India-Myanmar border enjoy the privilege of travelling up to 16 kilometres into each other’s territories without visas, fostering familial and cultural connections. Mizoram and Nagaland advocate for the preservation of this regime, emphasizing its significance for border communities. Conversely, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh advocate for border fencing, citing concerns over security threats, particularly in the context of the ongoing civil war and the influx of refugees and smugglers.

Manipur, in particular, grapples with the repercussions of the Myanmar conflict, witnessing ethnic violence and drug smuggling activities. The state’s chief minister underscores the inadequacy of the FMR in addressing these challenges, advocating for stricter border controls and modifications to the existing regime. The nexus between the civil war in Myanmar and the surge in drug smuggling exacerbates security concerns, prompting calls for decisive action.

India caught in a bind

As Myanmar’s civil war shows no signs of abating, India faces the daunting task of navigating security imperatives while preserving socio-cultural ties and managing internal dissent. The porous border poses inherent risks during times of conflict, necessitating a delicate balance between security measures and maintaining bilateral relations. Effective engagement and cooperation emerge as imperative in charting a path forward amidst this complex geopolitical landscape.

The controversy surrounding the India-Myanmar border fence underscores the intricate interplay between security imperatives, socio-cultural ties and regional dynamics. As India grapples with the challenges posed by Myanmar’s civil war, striking a balance between border security and community cohesion remains paramount. Collaborative efforts and nuanced policymaking are essential in addressing the multifaceted ramifications of the evolving situation along the India-Myanmar border.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.