India is set to allocate a staggering Rs 300 crore to fortify its 1,643-km border with Myanmar over the next decade, aiming to curb smuggling and other unlawful activities.
Reporting the development, an international news agency on Wednesday, said that the decision, greenlit by a government committee earlier this month, now awaits approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.
The ambitious project entails the erection of fencing and construction of an adjoining road at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 125 million per kilometer.
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This figure notably surpasses the expense incurred for the border fence with Bangladesh in 2020, attributed to the challenging hilly terrain and the incorporation of advanced technology to deter intrusion and corrosion, the report said.
Of late, the proposal to fortify the international border and terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border has sparked severe opposition to the move in the Northeast.
Earlier this month, Nagaland became the second Northeastern state bordering Myanmar to denounce the central government’s plan, joining Mizoram in passing a resolution against the fencing of the 1,643-km-long international border and the abolition of Free Movement Regime (FMR) with the neighbouring nation.
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In a resolution tabled by on February 28, the Mizoram Assembly was the first in the region to appeal to the Centre to reconsider its decision, citing deep-rooted historical and cultural ties of the Zo ethnic community.
In contrast, Manipur has voiced support for the Centre’s move, hailing it as a crucial step to combat challenges posed by illegal migration.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh underscored the significance of securing Manipur’s 400-km border with Myanmar, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance against illicit activities such as drug smuggling, intensified by the current lack of adequate fencing along the border.
On January 20, the decision to proceed with the border fencing was announced by the Union Home Minister during a speech delivered at the passing out parade of Assam Police commandos in Guwahati.
