Nagaland CM Rio Calls for All-Party Delegation to Meet Home Minister on Indo-Myanmar Border Free Movement Regime

The Chief Minister stated that the Nagaland government had repeatedly raised the issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called for an all-party delegation, led by him, to meet the Union Home Minister at the earliest to discuss the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB).

Addressing the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio said that the delegation would convey the state’s concerns, as reflected in the unanimous resolution passed on March 1, 2024, and the Cabinet decisions made on February 8, 2024, and January 6, 2025.

Highlighting the significance of the FMR, Rio asserted that its suspension would severely impact the deep-rooted historical, social, cultural, tribal, and economic ties of Nagas living on both sides of the border. He pointed out that many people rely on cross-border movement for farming, healthcare, and education, and urged the Centre to reconsider restrictions on humanitarian grounds.

The Chief Minister stated that the Nagaland government had repeatedly raised the issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). On February 8, 2024, the State Cabinet deliberated on the MHA’s proposal to fence the Indo-Myanmar border and decided to request the Central Government to continue the FMR. It also recommended enacting appropriate regulations in consultation with border communities and involving Village Council Authorities in the regulation process.

Following this decision, Chief Secretary wrote to the Union Home Secretary on February 14, 2024, emphasising the significant cross-border movement due to familial ties, ownership of land, and the sensitive nature of the issue. On January 6, 2025, the State Cabinet discussed the latest MHA notification regarding border restrictions, after which the Chief Secretary sent another letter on January 22, 2025, reiterating the government’s stand to restore the FMR.

Rio reminded the House that on March 1, 2024, the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Government of India to reconsider its decision to suspend the FMR. The resolution underscored the unique cultural and economic connections of the Naga people across the border and appealed for a policy that respects these long-standing ties.

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