Manipur CM Biren Singh urges immediate reforms for neglected Myanmar border amid ethnic violence and security concerns

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh raises alarms about the historical neglect of Manipur’s 390-km border with Myanmar. The CM raises his concerns over the ethnic violence aftermath and the urgent calls for border security reforms. Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh voiced serious concerns about the historical neglect of the northeastern state by previous union governments, pinpointing the 390-km border with Myanmar as a critical issue. CM Singh linked the ethnic violence that started in May 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of over 180 lives, to the prolonged disregard for this border.

CM Singh acknowledged the shared cultural ties between communities on both sides of the border but stressed that earlier interventions could have averted the existing challenges. He expressed disappointment in the insufficient security measures at the border, underlining the incapacity of existing forces to simultaneously handle counter-insurgency and border protection.

The Chief Minister, while not blaming specific central governments, highlighted the period from 1947-49, asserting that a lack of timely fencing and a pass system along the border contributed to the current problems. He pointed out that communities on both sides of the border belong to the same tribe, sharing language and culture. CM Singh lamented the absence of adequate security measures, stating that the Assam Rifles, though present, cannot effectively manage both counter-insurgency and border defence, allowing militants to camp inside Manipur’s borders.

Advocating for change, CM Singh renewed his call to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and fence the Myanmar border. He emphasised instances of individuals exploiting the porous border, urging stricter controls to safeguard the interests of indigenous Manipuri people. CM N Biren Singh attributed the current situation to the historical negligence of the region by past governments, underscoring the increased attention the northeast received only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power.

As Manipur grapples with the aftermath of ethnic violence and security challenges along its border, Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s plea for urgent measures resonates, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms and increased attention from the central government.