Myanmarese living within 10km of Manipur border can enter state with a pass: MHA letter

ORDER SAYS THAT THOSE WHO TRAVEL BEYOND 10KM WOULD BE 'LIABLE FOR ACTION'

- Prawesh Lama

NEW DELHI: The Union ministry of home affairs on Tuesday informed the Manipur government about a new scheme to allow Myanmar residents who live within 10km of the border into Manipur, but after getting a "border pass" from the Assam Rifles, officials familiar with the matter said, adding that the facility will also be applicable for Manipur's border residents who wish to visit Myanmar border villages.

The development holds significance because the Manipur government has currently suspended the free movement regime at the India-Myanmar border across the check posts and locked the gates. The Centre has also proposed to build a fence along the border, which passes through different states. At least 30km of border fencing work has already begun in Manipur, said an official.