Context: Myanmar, Manipur and Strained Borders

Source: The Hindu

There have been protracted periods of insurgency in northeast India. However, there haven’t been any insurgencies in a significant portion of the region in recent decades. Large-scale infrastructure projects have been able to be operationalized because to the relative calm. As evidenced by the violence in Manipur, the political events in Myanmar are putting further strain on the advances that have been accomplished.

The February 2021 military takeover in Myanmar has been widely criticized by the general populace. The People’s Defence Forces’ armed resistance to military rule developed from the Civil Disobedience Movement. Heavy combat frequently occurred in the Chin and Kachin states, which border Northeast India, as well as the Sagaing Region.

There are numerous ethnic groups in Northeast India, including the Mizo-Chin-Kuki, who live on both sides of the India-Myanmar border and have close familial and communal links. After gaining independence, the governments of both nations implemented a Free Movement Regime (FRM) for those residing within 40 kilometres on either side of the India-Burma border. This was later lowered to 16 kilometres in recognition of these ethnic exchanges. Visas are not needed for the FRM.
About 95,600 refugees from Myanmar had fled to India as of December 31, 2024, according to estimates from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Following the recent military takeover, some 73,400 of these migrants are said to have arrived in India.

Because of their common ethnic identity, the State Government and a number of civil society organizations in Mizoram have demonstrated a great deal of sympathy for the refugees. The refugee crisis in Manipur is upsetting the delicate ethnic balance and has grown to be a significant factor in the Meitei-Kuki Conflict. Additionally, plans to upgrade the trilateral expressway connecting India, Myanmar, and Thailand have been shelved.

Model Question:

1. Analyze the impact of India-Myanmar border issues and ethnic clashes on the ongoing violence in Manipur. Discuss the security, social, and geopolitical implications of these issues.

Model Answer

India shares a 1,643 km-long porous border with Myanmar, spanning Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. This region is marked by ethnic ties, insurgent activities, and the Free Movement Regime (FMR), allowing cross-border movement. The recent political instability in Myanmar following the military coup (2021) has intensified ethnic conflicts, affecting the internal security situation in Manipur and fuelling violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

 

India-Myanmar Border Issues and Ethnic Clashes

1. Porous Border and Insurgent Activities

• The FMR allows ethnic communities to move freely, leading to concerns over illegal migration, arms smuggling, and insurgent hideouts.
• Militant groups like the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Kuki National Army (KNA), and Arakan Army use border areas as a refuge, escalating tensions in Manipur.

2. Ethnic Linkages and Refugee Influx

• The Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur share ethnic ties with the Chin people in Myanmar. The military crackdown on Chins has forced thousands to flee into Mizoram and Manipur, creating demographic and political tensions.
• The Meitei community perceives this influx as a demographic threat, intensifying conflicts with the Kukis.

3. Drug and Arms Trafficking

• The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos) is a major drug-producing region.
• Smuggling of narcotics (opium, heroin, methamphetamine) and illegal arms through Manipur has fuelled violence and insurgency.

4. Geopolitical Ramifications

• India’s Act East Policy and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project require a stable India-Myanmar border.
• China’s increasing influence in Myanmar complicates security concerns for India, as instability could push insurgent groups toward China for support.

Impact on Manipur Violence

1. Ethnic Conflict between Meiteis and Kukis

• The influx of Kuki-Chin refugees from Myanmar has aggravated tensions between Manipur’s Meitei majority (valley dwellers) and Kuki-Zo tribes (hill dwellers).
• The Manipur government’s attempt to identify illegal immigrants has been met with resistance from tribal groups.

2. Militarization and Civilian Unrest

• The spread of sophisticated arms due to cross-border smuggling has escalated violence.
• The involvement of state and non-state actors, including armed ethnic groups, has worsened the law-and-order situation.

 

3. Security Challenges for India

• The unrest diverts security forces from counter-insurgency efforts, making the region vulnerable to external threats.
• Rising tensions have strained India’s relations with Myanmar, affecting cross-border trade and regional stability.

Way Forward

1. Border Management and Security Enhancement

• Strengthening surveillance along the India-Myanmar border using technology and better coordination between security forces.
• Reviewing the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to prevent illegal immigration and smuggling.

2. Political Dialogue and Peace Initiatives

• Engaging Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in reconciliation talks.
• Strengthening tribal integration policies to reduce ethnic divisions.

3. Regional Cooperation with Myanmar

• Diplomatic engagement with Myanmar to curb insurgent movements and drug trafficking.
• Strengthening economic ties through projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway for long-term stability.

The India-Myanmar border issues and ethnic clashes have significantly contributed to Manipur’s ongoing violence, impacting its security, economy, and social fabric. A comprehensive approach involving better border management, diplomatic efforts, and community reconciliation is essential to restore peace and stability in the region.