Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has announced plans to lead an all-party delegation to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The FMR has been a crucial aspect of the lives of Naga communities living on both sides of the border, allowing them to maintain historical, social, cultural, tribal, and economic ties.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently introduced new guidelines restricting cross-border movement to within 10 km of the border and limiting passage to 43 designated crossing points, including nine in Nagaland.

This move has raised concerns among Naga communities, who rely on cross-border movement for farming, education, and healthcare.

Rio emphasized the need for humanitarian considerations in any policy changes, citing the unique socio-cultural and economic links between Nagas on both sides of the border.

The Nagaland government has consistently raised concerns with the MHA, and the state cabinet has urged the continuation of the FMR while advocating for a regulated system developed in consultation with border residents.

The all-party delegation, led by Rio, aims to press the Home Minister for policy reconsideration and ensure that border communities' concerns are addressed.