Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has formally called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to restore the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar, highlighting the significant impact of recent changes on border communities. With a 215-km international border connecting Nagaland and Myanmar, Rio emphasized that Naga communities on both sides of the border have maintained longstanding social, cultural, and economic ties, which have traditionally allowed for ease of cross-border movement. He noted that the revised guidelines imposed by the Centre have resulted in difficulties for these communities, disrupting their agricultural practices, cultural traditions, and familial connections.
In his representation, Rio requested Shah to re-evaluate the updated guidelines, advocating for an approach that balances national security considerations with the preservation of the traditional rights and lifestyles of the people in the region. He stressed the need for a flexible policy that acknowledges the unique demographic and cultural context of the area. Furthermore, Rio mentioned that during a State Cabinet meeting on February 3, 2026, the Cabinet urged the Centre to address the genuine concerns of the local population regarding the FMR revisions.
Amit Shah responded positively, assuring that he would give the matter careful consideration. The changes to the FMR were implemented by the Centre in 2024, which restricted the free movement of individuals residing near the India-Myanmar border, limiting travel to 16 km into each other’s territory without the need for a visa. Rio’s plea seeks to re-establish the historical access that these communities have relied upon.
