Question 2149

With reference to India-Myanmar Border, consider the following statements: 1. It was demarcated by the British Government in India in 1826 2. It extends along the States of Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura. 3. The Free Movement Regime enables tribes along the border to travel up to 16 km inside the neighbouring country without a visa. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer

2 and 3 only

Why?

The correct answer is Option 2 (2 and 3 only) . Key Points The India-Myanmar border is approximately 1,643 km long and runs along the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram—not Meghalaya, Assam, or Tripura. The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows tribes residing along the border to travel up to 16 km into the neighbouring country without a visa . The boundary was formalized in parts during British rule, but 1826 is associated with the Treaty of Yandabo , which ended the First Anglo-Burmese War and ceded certain territories to British India, not the demarcation of the current border. The FMR aims to preserve the unique socio-cultural ties and local economic interactions of tribal communities residing along the India-Myanmar border. Additional Information Treaty of Yandabo (1826): This treaty marked the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826). It resulted in the cession of territories such as Assam, Manipur, and Arakan to British India. The treaty laid the foundation for British influence in the region but did not demarcate the current India-Myanmar boundary. Free Movement Regime (FMR): Under FMR, residents of border areas can cross the India-Myanmar border without a visa for a distance of up to 16 km. This facility is primarily for border tribes to maintain their socio-cultural and economic ties. However, concerns have been raised about the misuse of FMR for illegal activities like smuggling. India-Myanmar Border States: The border touches four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. It is characterized by rugged terrain and dense forests, which make monitoring and management challenging. Strategic Importance of the India-Myanmar Border: Myanmar serves as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy. The border region is significant for trade, connectivity projects (like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway), and regional security. Myanmar's proximity to insurgency-prone northeastern states makes border security a critical concern for India.