In a medical milestone, a five-year-old girl underwent an awake craniotomy at AIIMS Delhi, using the Conscious Sedation technique, to address a left perisylvian intraaxial brain tumour.

Remarkably, she has now become the youngest patient globally to undergo this procedure, and has created a world record.

The young patient displayed exceptional cooperation during the awake craniotomy, marking a groundbreaking achievement in pediatric neurosurgery, as reported by ANI.

<h2>Teamwork and support</h2>

The success of the surgery is attributed to the outstanding collaboration between the neuroanesthesia and Neuroradiology teams at AIIMS Delhi.

Their combined efforts ensured the execution of high-quality functional MRI brain studies, crucial for the precision of the awake craniotomy.

Functional MRI brain studies played a pivotal role in the surgical process. These studies allowed the neurosurgeon to map the cortical areas, identifying vital regions known as the "eloquent brain."

Preservation of these areas is paramount during tumour removal to prevent damage and preserve essential brain functions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-official-says-concealed-speed-limit-signs-in-delhi-got-him-challan-surprises-677226">Also read |&nbsp;Indian official says concealed speed limit signs in Delhi got him 'challan surprises'</a>

<h2>What is this surgical technique?</h2>

Awake craniotomy, a sophisticated neurosurgical technique, permits the removal of brain tumours while the patient remains conscious.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya gets a major facelift: All decked up for Ram Mandir

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This approach aims to prevent potential damage to vital brain functions by enabling the neurosurgeon to conduct real-time cortical mapping during the procedure.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a medical milestone, a five-year-old girl underwent an awake craniotomy at AIIMS Delhi, using the Conscious Sedation technique, to address a left perisylvian intraaxial brain tumour.

In a medical milestone, a five-year-old girl underwent an awake craniotomy at AIIMS Delhi, using the Conscious Sedation technique, to address a left perisylvian intraaxial brain tumour. Remarkably, she has now become the youngest patient globally to undergo this procedure, and has created a world record. The young patient displayed exceptional cooperation during the awake craniotomy, marking a groundbreaking achievement in pediatric neurosurgery, as reported by ANI. Teamwork and support The success of the surgery is attributed to the outstanding collaboration between the neuroanesthesia and Neuroradiology teams at AIIMS Delhi. Their combined efforts ensured the execution of high-quality functional MRI brain studies, crucial for the precision of the awake craniotomy. Functional MRI brain studies played a pivotal role in the surgical process. These studies allowed the neurosurgeon to map the cortical areas, identifying vital regions known as the "eloquent brain." Preservation of these areas is paramount during tumour removal to prevent damage and preserve essential brain functions. Also read | Indian official says concealed speed limit signs in Delhi got him 'challan surprises' What is this surgical technique? Awake craniotomy, a sophisticated neurosurgical technique, permits the removal of brain tumours while the patient remains conscious. Also watch | Ayodhya gets a major facelift: All decked up for Ram Mandir This approach aims to prevent potential damage to vital brain functions by enabling the neurosurgeon to conduct real-time cortical mapping during the procedure. (With inputs from agencies)

Medical marvel: 5-year-old undergoes awake brain surgery at AIIMS Delhi, sets world record

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West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday (Jan 5) condemned the attack on members of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team and called it a "ghastly incident". He also summoned the Home Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) over their alleged role in the attack.

While speaking to the press, he said it&nbsp;is the prime responsibility of a&nbsp;government to bar vandalism in a democracy.

"It is a ghastly incident. It is alarming and deplorable. It is the duty of a civilised government to stop barbarism and vandalism in a democracy. If a government fails in its basic duty, then the Constitution of India will take its course. I reserve all my constitutional options for appropriate action. This pre-election violence should find an early end, and this is the beginning of that end," said Bose.

On Thursday night (Jan 4),&nbsp;an Enforcement Directorate team was attacked by a mob and their vehicles vandalised in Sandeshkhali village of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-writes-to-japanese-counterpart-kishida-expresses-condolence-over-loss-of-lives-in-quake-676942">Indian PM Modi writes to Japanese counterpart Kishida, expresses condolence over loss of lives in quake</a>

This happened at the time the agency was conducting raids at the residence of former Bongaon Municipality Chairman Shankar Adhya&nbsp;and TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's house over their role in an alleged ration scam case, said an ED official.

Shahjahan is the Fisheries and Animal Resources Officer of North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad as well as Block President of Sandeshkhali 1.

Two&nbsp;ED officials suffered injuries in the incident.

A member of the raiding ED team said, "Eight people came to the spot. We three moved from the incident spot ...they attacked us."

TMC MP Santanu Sen, however, claimed that the officials of the federal agency 'provoked' the locals which led to a counter-reaction from the people.

"The officers of the Central investigation agency surrounded by the Central forces provoked the local people. That's why there were counter-reactions continuously," he said.

Sen also said that the people of the country are 'frustrated' with actions taken by the central agencies which are being 'monitored from Delhi'.

"The real fact is the people of India are frustrated watching this deep-rooted conspiracy engineered and monitored from Delhi daily and that too in the case of TMC in West Bengal...On the contrary, the person who's posting all this on social media is topping the list of corruption. He was found taking money before the camera. His other family members are accused of corruption but no action was taken against them because they belong to BJP," said Sen.

(With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday (Jan 5) condemned the attack on members of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team and called it a "ghastly incident".

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday (Jan 5) condemned the attack on members of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team and called it a "ghastly incident". He also summoned the Home Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) over their alleged role in the attack. While speaking to the press, he said it is the prime responsibility of a government to bar vandalism in a democracy. "It is a ghastly incident. It is alarming and deplorable. It is the duty of a civilised government to stop barbarism and vandalism in a democracy. If a government fails in its basic duty, then the Constitution of India will take its course. I reserve all my constitutional options for appropriate action. This pre-election violence should find an early end, and this is the beginning of that end," said Bose. On Thursday night (Jan 4), an Enforcement Directorate team was attacked by a mob and their vehicles vandalised in Sandeshkhali village of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal. Also read: Indian PM Modi writes to Japanese counterpart Kishida, expresses condolence over loss of lives in quake This happened at the time the agency was conducting raids at the residence of former Bongaon Municipality Chairman Shankar Adhya and TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's house over their role in an alleged ration scam case, said an ED official. Shahjahan is the Fisheries and Animal Resources Officer of North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad as well as Block President of Sandeshkhali 1. Two ED officials suffered injuries in the incident. A member of the raiding ED team said, "Eight people came to the spot. We three moved from the incident spot ...they attacked us." TMC MP Santanu Sen, however, claimed that the officials of the federal agency 'provoked' the locals which led to a counter-reaction from the people. "The officers of the Central investigation agency surrounded by the Central forces provoked the local people. That's why there were counter-reactions continuously," he said. Sen also said that the people of the country are 'frustrated' with actions taken by the central agencies which are being 'monitored from Delhi'. "The real fact is the people of India are frustrated watching this deep-rooted conspiracy engineered and monitored from Delhi daily and that too in the case of TMC in West Bengal...On the contrary, the person who's posting all this on social media is topping the list of corruption. He was found taking money before the camera. His other family members are accused of corruption but no action was taken against them because they belong to BJP," said Sen. (With inputs from agencies)

India: West Bengal governor condemns attack on ED officials, calls incident ‘ghastly’

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A leader of one of India's opposition parties in West Bengal, Shankar Adhya, was arrested late on Friday (Jan 5) by the country's economic intelligence agency&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate (ED), in the alleged ration distribution scam.

Shankar Adhya is the former chairman of Bangaon municipality in West Bengal and was arrested following an extensive search by the ED in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district.&nbsp;

Adhya's&nbsp;arrest came hours after the officials of the Enforcement Directorate were attacked by the supporters of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shajahan in North 24 Parganas district.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjees-tmc-outclasses-bjp-in-west-bengal-panchayat-polls-614460">Mamata Banerjee’s TMC outclasses BJP in West Bengal panchayat polls</a>

The Enforcement Directorate&nbsp;reported that a sizable mob, numbering between 800 and 1000 individuals, launched a violent attack on their officials with the apparent intent to cause harm.

The incident transpired on Thursday night when an ED team, conducting a raid related to an alleged ration scam, faced aggression in Sandeshkhali village of North 24 Parganas.

The team was investigating the residences of block-level leaders affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Also watch |&nbsp;TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar again

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Notably, the ED focused its attention on former Bongaon Municipality Chairman Shankar Adhya's residence in Bangaon and TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's house in connection with the alleged ration fraud.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) released a statement saying "800-1000" people attacked its officials to cause death. The agency said the mob carried weapons such as lathis, stones, and bricks. Three ED officials have sustained grievous injuries and are hospitalised.

<h2>West Bengal governor reacts</h2>

Reacting to the situation, Governor CV Ananda Bose summoned Chief Secretary BP Gopalika, Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, and Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar to Raj Bhavan in Kolkata.&nbsp;

In a recorded voice message, Governor Bose expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as alarming and deplorable.&nbsp;

He also stated that Bengal is not a banana republic and the government should stop barbarism and vandalism in a democracy. The Bengal governor also asked the West Bengal Police to shun its "ostrich-like attitude" of pretending not to see lawlessness around.

(With inputs from agencies)

A leader of one of India's opposition parties in West Bengal, Shankar Adhya, was arrested late on Friday (Jan 5) by the country's economic intelligence agency Enforcement Directorate (ED), in the alleged ration distribution scam.

A leader of one of India's opposition parties in West Bengal, Shankar Adhya, was arrested late on Friday (Jan 5) by the country's economic intelligence agency Enforcement Directorate (ED), in the alleged ration distribution scam. Shankar Adhya is the former chairman of Bangaon municipality in West Bengal and was arrested following an extensive search by the ED in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. Adhya's arrest came hours after the officials of the Enforcement Directorate were attacked by the supporters of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shajahan in North 24 Parganas district. Also read | Mamata Banerjee’s TMC outclasses BJP in West Bengal panchayat polls The Enforcement Directorate reported that a sizable mob, numbering between 800 and 1000 individuals, launched a violent attack on their officials with the apparent intent to cause harm. The incident transpired on Thursday night when an ED team, conducting a raid related to an alleged ration scam, faced aggression in Sandeshkhali village of North 24 Parganas. The team was investigating the residences of block-level leaders affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Also watch | TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar again × Notably, the ED focused its attention on former Bongaon Municipality Chairman Shankar Adhya's residence in Bangaon and TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's house in connection with the alleged ration fraud. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) released a statement saying "800-1000" people attacked its officials to cause death. The agency said the mob carried weapons such as lathis, stones, and bricks. Three ED officials have sustained grievous injuries and are hospitalised. West Bengal governor reacts Reacting to the situation, Governor CV Ananda Bose summoned Chief Secretary BP Gopalika, Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, and Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar to Raj Bhavan in Kolkata. In a recorded voice message, Governor Bose expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as alarming and deplorable. He also stated that Bengal is not a banana republic and the government should stop barbarism and vandalism in a democracy. The Bengal governor also asked the West Bengal Police to shun its "ostrich-like attitude" of pretending not to see lawlessness around. (With inputs from agencies)

India: TMC leader Shankar Adhya arrested in alleged ration scam hours after mob attack on ED officials

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An article in a prominent state-run Chinese media outlet, Global Times, made a rare admission by praising India and asserting that the nation has become more strategically confident and proactive in creating and developing a "Bharat narrative".&nbsp;

The article, published on Tuesday (Jan 2), highlights India's accomplishments in the past few years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. It is contrary to what Chinese media usually runs - propaganda and fake narratives against India.&nbsp;

The article, titled, "What I feel about the ‘Bharat narrative’ in India", is penned by Zhang Jiadong, who is the director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-indians-in-canada-receiving-extortion-calls-to-qatar-case-here-are-key-takeaways-from-mea-briefing-676629">Indians in Canada receiving extortion calls to Qatar case, here are key takeaways from MEA briefing</a>&nbsp;

The article chalks out India's stunning economic growth, its attitude towards international relations (including China), urban governance, and more.&nbsp;

"For example, when discussing the trade imbalance between China and India, Indian representatives earlier used to primarily focus on China's measures to reduce the trade imbalance. But now they are placing more emphasis on India's export potential," Zhang said in the article.&nbsp;

"In the political and cultural spheres, India has moved from emphasising its democratic consensus with the West to highlighting the 'Indian feature' of democratic politics. Currently, there is even more emphasis on the Indian origins of democratic politics," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-party-launches-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-2024-676630">Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024'</a>&nbsp;

The author wrote in the widely circulated article that the shift reflects India's ambition to escape its historical colonial shadow and act as a "world mentor", both politically and culturally.&nbsp;

The author hailed India's foreign policy strategy under PM Modi as he emphasised upon the country's multi-alignment approach and strengthening ties with major global powers, including the United States, and Japan.&nbsp;

He pointed out India's strong ties&nbsp;with the mention of New Delhi's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict as PM Modi has already said that this is "not the era of war".&nbsp;

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<h2>'India has become a new geopolitical factor that many countries need to consider'&nbsp;</h2>

"Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power, he has advocated for a multi-alignment strategy, promoting India's relations with the US, Japan, Russia and other countries and regional organisations," Zhang said in the article.&nbsp;

"India has always considered itself a world power. However, it has only been less than 10 years since India shifted from multi-balancing to multi-alignment, and now it is rapidly transforming toward a strategy of becoming a pole in the multipolar world. The speed of such changes is rarely seen in the history of international relations," he said.&nbsp;

"It appears that a transformed, stronger, and more assertive India has become a new geopolitical factor that many countries need to consider," the article added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An article in a prominent state-run Chinese media outlet, Global Times, made a rare admission by praising India and asserting that the nation has become more strategically confident and proactive in creating and developing a "Bharat narrative".

An article in a prominent state-run Chinese media outlet, Global Times, made a rare admission by praising India and asserting that the nation has become more strategically confident and proactive in creating and developing a "Bharat narrative". The article, published on Tuesday (Jan 2), highlights India's accomplishments in the past few years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. It is contrary to what Chinese media usually runs - propaganda and fake narratives against India. The article, titled, "What I feel about the ‘Bharat narrative’ in India", is penned by Zhang Jiadong, who is the director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai. Also read: Indians in Canada receiving extortion calls to Qatar case, here are key takeaways from MEA briefing The article chalks out India's stunning economic growth, its attitude towards international relations (including China), urban governance, and more. "For example, when discussing the trade imbalance between China and India, Indian representatives earlier used to primarily focus on China's measures to reduce the trade imbalance. But now they are placing more emphasis on India's export potential," Zhang said in the article. "In the political and cultural spheres, India has moved from emphasising its democratic consensus with the West to highlighting the 'Indian feature' of democratic politics. Currently, there is even more emphasis on the Indian origins of democratic politics," he added. Also read: Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024' The author wrote in the widely circulated article that the shift reflects India's ambition to escape its historical colonial shadow and act as a "world mentor", both politically and culturally. The author hailed India's foreign policy strategy under PM Modi as he emphasised upon the country's multi-alignment approach and strengthening ties with major global powers, including the United States, and Japan. He pointed out India's strong ties with the mention of New Delhi's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict as PM Modi has already said that this is "not the era of war". × 'India has become a new geopolitical factor that many countries need to consider' "Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power, he has advocated for a multi-alignment strategy, promoting India's relations with the US, Japan, Russia and other countries and regional organisations," Zhang said in the article. "India has always considered itself a world power. However, it has only been less than 10 years since India shifted from multi-balancing to multi-alignment, and now it is rapidly transforming toward a strategy of becoming a pole in the multipolar world. The speed of such changes is rarely seen in the history of international relations," he said. "It appears that a transformed, stronger, and more assertive India has become a new geopolitical factor that many countries need to consider," the article added. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese state media praises 'major power' India and its achievements under PM Modi

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Indian Union Home Ministry has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate an inquiry into the alleged corruption surrounding the functioning of numerous mohalla (community) clinics in Delhi, media reports said citing sources.&nbsp;

Mohalla clinics are&nbsp;part of a healthcare initiative in the Indian capital of Delhi, introduced by the government of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

These clinics, launched in October 2015, were introduced as a part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's efforts to improve healthcare accessibility in the capital city.

This came after several discrepancies in the operation of seven mohalla clinics in Delhi came to light and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended for a CBI probe into the matter.

Investigations by the vigilance department exposed various irregularities, such as the entry of only the digit "0" in the section designated for mobile numbers in 11,657 cases.&nbsp;

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Moreover, spaces were left blank in 8,251 cases whereas fake mobile numbers, including 9999999999, were used in 3,092 cases.&nbsp;

Notably, around a thousand instances involved the repetition of the same number more than 15 times.&nbsp;

These alleged malpractices were reportedly employed to conduct millions of tests on dummy patients.

Later, the&nbsp;payments were allegedly routed to private diagnostic firms.

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The scale of the alleged scam could be staggering, with the Lieutenant Governor's office estimating it to run into millions of rupees.

<h2>'Sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics</h2>

Allegations have also surfaced regarding the distribution of 'sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics. CBI is going to probe into this as well.

Media reports citing sources from the Lieutenant Governor's (L-G) office claimed that unauthorised staff were prescribing tests and medications in the absence of doctors.&nbsp;

The doctors were also allegedly marking attendance through pre-recorded videos.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wions-power-poll-do-you-think-the-2024-bangladesh-election-will-be-free-fair-676646">WION's Power Poll: Do you think the 2024 Bangladesh Election will be free &amp; fair?</a>

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Responding to these claims, Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana criticised the AAP government, accusing them of corruption and endangering the lives of poor residents in Delhi.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj raised concerns about the BJP-led Centre's actions and questioned the health secretary's accountability.

He cited delays in addressing the alleged issues despite his directives for inspections since April last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Union Home Ministry has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate an inquiry into the alleged corruption surrounding the functioning of numerous mohalla (community) clinics in Delhi, media reports said citing sources.

Indian Union Home Ministry has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate an inquiry into the alleged corruption surrounding the functioning of numerous mohalla (community) clinics in Delhi, media reports said citing sources. Mohalla clinics are part of a healthcare initiative in the Indian capital of Delhi, introduced by the government of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. These clinics, launched in October 2015, were introduced as a part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's efforts to improve healthcare accessibility in the capital city. This came after several discrepancies in the operation of seven mohalla clinics in Delhi came to light and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended for a CBI probe into the matter. Investigations by the vigilance department exposed various irregularities, such as the entry of only the digit "0" in the section designated for mobile numbers in 11,657 cases. Also Read | Bomb scare at Kolkata's Indian Museum, authorities scramble for quick action Moreover, spaces were left blank in 8,251 cases whereas fake mobile numbers, including 9999999999, were used in 3,092 cases. Notably, around a thousand instances involved the repetition of the same number more than 15 times. These alleged malpractices were reportedly employed to conduct millions of tests on dummy patients. Later, the payments were allegedly routed to private diagnostic firms. Also Read | Ancestral property where Dawood Ibrahim spent his childhood to be auctioned off in Mumbai today The scale of the alleged scam could be staggering, with the Lieutenant Governor's office estimating it to run into millions of rupees. 'Sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics Allegations have also surfaced regarding the distribution of 'sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics. CBI is going to probe into this as well. Media reports citing sources from the Lieutenant Governor's (L-G) office claimed that unauthorised staff were prescribing tests and medications in the absence of doctors. The doctors were also allegedly marking attendance through pre-recorded videos. Watch | WION's Power Poll: Do you think the 2024 Bangladesh Election will be free & fair? × Responding to these claims, Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana criticised the AAP government, accusing them of corruption and endangering the lives of poor residents in Delhi. Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj raised concerns about the BJP-led Centre's actions and questioned the health secretary's accountability. He cited delays in addressing the alleged issues despite his directives for inspections since April last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Sub-standard medicine, dummy patients, fake attendance: CBI to probe corruption into Delhi's 'mohalla clinics'

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. This after the law enforcement agencies launched a cordon and search operation in the area.

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Officials from the Central government are deliberating the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar as a measure to counter the surge of illegal migrants and insurgents, Indian media reports said. The FMR policy, in operation along the 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, has become a point of contention due to its alleged misuse, leading to concerns about "illegal immigration, drug, and arms trafficking."

Local residents and the Manipur government have voiced grievances, prompting the Central government to consider revisiting the policy.

<h2>Background of the Free Movement Regime</h2>

Initiated in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy, the FMR permits individuals residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the India-Myanmar border, belonging to hill tribes and citizens of either India or Myanmar, to travel across the border without a visa. The policy aims to foster cross-border interactions while allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit.

But now, there's a proposal to terminate the FMR. The government aims to replace it with a comprehensive fencing project, expected to be completed in the next four-and-a-half years, reported the news agency ANI.

Individuals entering the border region will be required to obtain a visa, signaling a shift from the current visa-free movement.

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Officials as quoted by ANI, said that the primary objectives are to curb the misuse of the FMR, exploited by insurgent groups for attacks on the Indian side before escaping to Myanmar, and to stem the inflow of illegal immigrants involved in various illicit activities, including drug and gold smuggling.

The process of tendering for an advanced smart fencing system covering 300 km of the India-Myanmar border is underway, with implementation set to commence shortly, according to reports. The smart fencing system is expected to enhance border security and contribute to the government's overall objectives.

Allegations point to an influx of Myanmar's tribal population into India, particularly Manipur and Mizoram, following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. It is alleged that a considerable number of individuals sought refuge in India and engaged in unlawful activities, notably drug smuggling.

In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to terminate the FMR, citing concerns that insurgents exploit the regime for their activities.

Manipur shares a porous border of approximately 390 km with Myanmar, with only about 10 km currently fenced.

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-india-has-to-gain-lose-if-sheikh-hasina-retains-power-in-bangladesh-676301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Similarly, Mizoram has witnessed an influx of anti-Junta rebels, with government estimates suggesting thousands of refugees settling in various parts of the state. 
 
Mizoram shares a porous border spanning 510 kilometres&nbsp;with Myanmar.

Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also share extensive borders with Myanmar, emphasising the broader implications of the proposed termination of the FMR. 
 
Arunachal Pradesh has a 520-kilometre border, while Nagaland's border with Myanmar spans 215 km.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials from the Central government are deliberating the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar as a measure to counter the surge of illegal migrants and insurgents, Indian media reports said.

Officials from the Central government are deliberating the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar as a measure to counter the surge of illegal migrants and insurgents, Indian media reports said. The FMR policy, in operation along the 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, has become a point of contention due to its alleged misuse, leading to concerns about "illegal immigration, drug, and arms trafficking." Local residents and the Manipur government have voiced grievances, prompting the Central government to consider revisiting the policy. Background of the Free Movement Regime Initiated in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy, the FMR permits individuals residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the India-Myanmar border, belonging to hill tribes and citizens of either India or Myanmar, to travel across the border without a visa. The policy aims to foster cross-border interactions while allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit. But now, there's a proposal to terminate the FMR. The government aims to replace it with a comprehensive fencing project, expected to be completed in the next four-and-a-half years, reported the news agency ANI. Individuals entering the border region will be required to obtain a visa, signaling a shift from the current visa-free movement. Also read | CAA rules can be notified ‘much before’ Lok Sabha elections: Report Officials as quoted by ANI, said that the primary objectives are to curb the misuse of the FMR, exploited by insurgent groups for attacks on the Indian side before escaping to Myanmar, and to stem the inflow of illegal immigrants involved in various illicit activities, including drug and gold smuggling. The process of tendering for an advanced smart fencing system covering 300 km of the India-Myanmar border is underway, with implementation set to commence shortly, according to reports. The smart fencing system is expected to enhance border security and contribute to the government's overall objectives. Allegations point to an influx of Myanmar's tribal population into India, particularly Manipur and Mizoram, following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. It is alleged that a considerable number of individuals sought refuge in India and engaged in unlawful activities, notably drug smuggling. In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to terminate the FMR, citing concerns that insurgents exploit the regime for their activities. Manipur shares a porous border of approximately 390 km with Myanmar, with only about 10 km currently fenced. Also watch | What India has to gain & lose if Sheikh Hasina retains power in Bangladesh Similarly, Mizoram has witnessed an influx of anti-Junta rebels, with government estimates suggesting thousands of refugees settling in various parts of the state. Mizoram shares a porous border spanning 510 kilometres with Myanmar. Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also share extensive borders with Myanmar, emphasising the broader implications of the proposed termination of the FMR. Arunachal Pradesh has a 520-kilometre border, while Nagaland's border with Myanmar spans 215 km. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt plans to end Free Movement Regime along international border with Myanmar

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India may end free movement regime near Myanmar border

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