Centre completes 9.2 km border fencing at Moreh

NEW DELHI, Jan 2
India has made significant progress in securing its border with Myanmar by completing a 9.214 km-long border fencing project at Moreh, a critical town located in Manipur. This project is aimed at enhancing security, curbing illegal activities, and improving infrastructure in the North Eastern region. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed this development in its Annual Report for 2023-2024.
Enhancing Border Security
The India-Myanmar border, which stretches over 1,600 kilometres, has been known for its porous nature, making it a hotspot for illegal activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, and insurgent movements. Moreh, being one of the major border towns and a key trade hub, has long been vulnerable to these threats. The newly completed border fencing is a significant step toward improving security in the region and preventing unauthorised crossings.
According to the MHA, the 9.214 km-long fencing at Moreh has been completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an agency responsible for building infrastructure in border areas. In addition to the fence, work on constructing a road along the fence is currently underway, further enhancing the region’s security and connectivity.
Addressing Smuggling and Insurgent Activities
The porous India-Myanmar border has long been a challenge for authorities, with illegal trade and insurgent activities thriving in the border regions. The fencing at Moreh is part of a broader effort by the Indian Government to secure its borders, curb illegal immigration, and tackle smuggling, which has been rampant in the North Eastern States.
The construction of the fence is expected to reduce the movement of arms, drugs, and counterfeit goods between the two countries, which have fueled illicit trade networks and posed threats to National security. The project is also seen as a measure to combat insurgent groups that have used the porous border to operate across the two countries.
Infrastructure Development and Regional Connectivity
Apart from security concerns, the border fencing project also aligns with India’s broader objective of infrastructural development in the North Eastern States. The construction of roads parallel to the fence will improve accessibility to remote areas, facilitating better connectivity for both civilians and the military. Improved roads will also boost economic activities and trade in the region, which is vital for the overall development of the North East.
The India-Myanmar border region has long been underserved in terms of infrastructure, and these new projects are expected to bring much-needed improvements to the area, benefiting local communities and strengthening border management.
Broader Border Security Initiatives
India’s efforts to secure its North Eastern borders are not limited to the Moreh fencing project. The 1,643 km-long border between India and Myanmar passes through four States : Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Out of this, 1,472 km of the border has already been demarcated.
In addition to fencing, India has initiated several other projects to enhance surveillance and monitoring of its borders. For example, two pilot projects of a Hybrid surveillance system are under construction, one each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, to improve real-time monitoring of the border.
These pilot projects are being executed by the Assam Rifles, with the aim of boosting border surveillance capabilities.
Furthermore, the MHA report mentions that in February 2024, the construction of an additional 20.862 km of fencing and roadwork was awarded to the BRO, with work already in progress. These projects represent a long-term commitment to securing India’s borders and enhancing the region’s overall infrastructure.
The completion of the 9.214 km border fencing at Moreh is a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its security along the India-Myanmar border. Alongside the ongoing construction of roads and surveillance systems, these projects will go a long way in addressing the challenges posed by a porous border. As these initiatives continue to unfold, they promise to bring both enhanced security and better infrastructure to one of the most strategically important regions in India’s North Eastern frontier.
Financial Express (With agency inputs)