GUWAHATI: Why is the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border very crucial for the internal security of India? Why are KuKi, Zomi, Hmar militant groups backed by Christian bodies dead against the decision of fencing the India-Myanmar border and scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the international border? The answer is that the open border has long been serving as a free movement route for the militants of both sides.
Top Kuki militant leader, who is currently heading the conglomerate of 8 Kuki militant groups in Manipur is a Myanmar national who is illegally not only residing in India but also involved in anti-national activities. Home ministry has initiated an inquiry way back in 2019 on how the foreign national is currently holding an Indian passport.
As per report, militant leader Thangalianpau Guite who is the president of Zomi Reunification Organisation, Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRO/ZRA), a constituent of United People’s Front (UPF), a conglomerate of 8 Kuki/Zomi/Hmar underground outfits presently under suspension of operation (SoO) is a citizen of Myanmar. In a notice served to the Chief Secretary of Manipur, home ministry enquiries how the Myanmar citizen obtains an Indian passport currently.
It reads, “ Thangalianpau Guite is a native of Pangmual village, Tonjang township of Chin state in Myanmar. It is on record that Guite was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Myanmar in 1990 as a candidate of Zomi National Congress (ZNC). However he fled Myanmar for fear of arrest.”
The home ministry further added that Thangalianpau Guite has been residing in Churachandpur district of Manipur since 1995 and has not visited his native place Myanmar since then. Presently T. Guite is in possession of an Indian passport as well as a Voter ID card. He and his entire family members are registered voters in Manipur.
India is currently fencing the international border along Myanmar. The 1643 kilometers long borders will be ringed with no cut nor climb fencing in next 10 years. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March 2024 had approved Rs. 31000 crores to fence the India-Myanmar border and constructions of roads along the border. 42000 Myanmar nationals were mapped by Indian authorities from December 2024. Most of these people are residing in Mizoram and hill districts of Manipur.
