FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

Myanmar protesters gathered in front of the Embassy of India in Washington DC on March 21. They called on the Indian government to reconsider its plans to fence the 1,643 km-long border with Myanmar and to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows Myanmar and India nationals visa-free travel for up to 16 km on either side of the border, using a pass.

The protesters also want India to provide asylum and protection to refugees who have fled Myanmar due to the crisis since the 2021 military coup and the regime’s conscription law, which was activated on Feb. 10 and stipulates all men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 must serve for two years.    

“Our purpose in being here today is to implore the Indian government not to put up a fence, to protect those escaping conflict, and to not repatriate them. We are here to plead for help and compassion for those suffering,” said Min Min, a human rights activist in the U.S.

Civil society organizations in India’s Nagaland and Mizoram states reached a consensus on March 16 to oppose the government’s border fence, which was announced by India’s Home Minister Amit Shah on Feb. 6. Communities on both sides of the border have cited concerns about dividing the Nagas and the Chin-Kuki-Mizo living along the India-Myanmar border. 

“Particularly, the Chin and Mizo ethnic minorities residing along the Indian border are subjected to severe attacks by the Burma Army. We appeal for their protection and urge against returning them to the hands of the tyrannical, murderous army,” added Min Min,

India announced plans to begin construction of a 12-mile-long border fence between Manipur State and Myanmar’s Sagaing Region. Manipur State Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that the first batch of at least 77 Myanmar refugees had been deported from India on March 8.