An advanced smart fencing system of 100 km along the Myanmar border is in the pipeline to strengthen the existing surveillance system, the 2022-23 annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in India is planning to implement an advanced smart fencing system along a 100 km stretch of the Indo-Myanmar Border to enhance surveillance. This border stretches for 1,643 km, passing through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Of this, 1,472 km has been demarcated as of the 2022-23 MHA annual report.
Intelligence reports indicate that various insurgent groups from the northeastern region use camps in Myanmar and cross the border into India, exacerbating the situation in Manipur. Construction of a 10.023 km border fence in Moreh, Manipur, has been awarded to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and is set for completion in 2023.
The report highlights that Manipur is affected by multiple insurgent groups, including Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar. Currently, 23 insurgent outfits, organised into two conglomerates (United Peoples’ Front – 8 and Kuki National Organisation – 15), are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Government of India since August 2008.
In December 2022, the Government of India and the Government of Manipur signed a Cessation of Operation (CoO) Agreement with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) of Manipur. The ZUF agreed to renounce violence and participate in the peaceful democratic process as established by the law of the land. In 2022, Manipur witnessed 137 insurgency-related incidents, resulting in the loss of lives of 5 civilians and 1 security force personnel.
Counterinsurgency operations led to the neutralisation of 2 insurgents, the arrest of 315 insurgents, and the recovery of 76 arms. Additionally, 57 members of insurgent groups surrendered, turning in 29 arms.
