Myanmar - Deferred Signing Border Pact

Why in news?

Myanmar has indefinitely deferred signing the border pact with India.

What is the pact on?

• Earlier in the year, the Union Cabinet had approved the agreement between India and Myanmar.
• This is in relation to streamlining the free movement of people within 16 km along the border.
• The arrangement on land border crossing is to enhance economic interaction between people of the two countries.
• As per the proposal, there would be no restrictions on the movement of people across the borders.
• However, the domiciles would be allotted border passes.
• Those going across for agriculture, work or to meet relatives should carry the pass at all times.

Why is India keen on signing the pact?

• India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km unfenced border.
• Both countries permit a ‘free movement’ regime upto 16 km beyond the border.
• The present border arrangement is proposed in the light of the issue of movement of extremists and smugglers freely across the border.
• Army convoy attack in 2015 in Manipur’s Chandel district involved suspected militants escaping to Myanmar along the free border.
• India is thus keen on signing border pact to regulate and streamline free movement along border.

What is the border Pass?

• Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram are the four states that share the unfenced border with Myanmar.
• The Centre had asked these 4 States to distribute “border pass” to all the residents living within 16 km from the border.
• This is to give shape to the agreement approved by the Cabinet.

Why is Myanmar delaying?

• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been deferred twice in the past seven months.
• Myanmar has cited “domestic compulsions” for its reluctance to sign the agreement.
• It is feared that signing the pact would make them adhere to the international agreement.
• It has asked more time before the agreement is sealed.

Source: The Hindu