India is building at least 1,643 km of fence along the border with Myanmar. The Indian government wants an “impenetrable border” due to unrest in the neighboring country.
Myanmar has been experiencing unrest for years. The military seized power again in 2021, plunging the country into armed conflict with local militant groups.
The announcement of the construction of a border fence comes in the run-up to the Indian elections later this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hoping for a third term in office. According to him, the armed conflict is the reason behind the construction of the fence along the border.
Home Minister Amit Shah He says A 10-kilometre-long fence has already been built in the eastern border state of Manipur. “Two projects are underway. The fence will surround one kilometer each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Moreover, a 20-kilometre-long fence has been approved in Manipur. Work will start soon.”
End of freedom of movement
The fence will end the free movement regime, an arrangement between the two countries that allows tribes living on either side of the border to travel 10 miles within the other country without a visa. This is allowed upon presentation of a border pass valid for one year.
The border between India and Myanmar was demarcated by the British in 1826. The border divided people of the same race and culture between the two countries, without their consent.
