Imphal, Manipur, December 27 (HBTV): Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said that the state government has requested the Centre to allow the maximum use of state machinery in the management of border areas. He mentioned that the orders issued by the central government allowing the entry of Myanmarese nationals within 10 km of the state were an interim arrangement.

Responding to media reports that the Centre had issued an order allowing Myanmarese nationals living within 10 km of the international border to enter the state at six points, Singh said, 'Right now, there is no communication from the Centre. The Centre is trying to regulate the FMR (Free Movement Regime).'

'The Home Ministry has previously mentioned issuing visas, and those Myanmarese willing to enter India will be allowed after being issued visas and passports,' he said.

Biren Singh reiterated that it was an interim arrangement, and the final settlement had not been made because many neighboring states were asking not to cancel the FMR. He added that the Centre is probably looking for a balance.

However, Biren Singh stated that for Manipur, entry would be allowed by following international norms of issuing visas and passports after completing formalities with the neighboring country. The state government has also requested the Centre to employ state machinery at the maximum level to manage border areas and identify individuals.

The response came in the wake of media reports that the Ministry of Home Affairs had written to the Manipur Chief Secretary about the new system. Under the reported new system, the movement of border residents from Myanmar and India within 10 km would be allowed for 'specific reasons such as visiting relatives, tourism, business, medical treatment...' Cultural exchange programs would also be allowed after following certain measures, the updates stated.