Construction of fencing along the India-Myanmar border is progressing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang and Longding districts as part of the Centre’s plan to strengthen border security across the Northeastern region.
In 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced an ambitious project to fence the entire 1,643-km India-Myanmar border. While the initiative has faced opposition from several local communities in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram, work in Arunachal Pradesh has continued steadily since its launch last year.
The border fencing project is being implemented by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
In Changlang district, 4.14 km of fencing has already been completed out of the 7.3 km proposed under the first phase of the project.
Changlang Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah said the pilot project near the Pangsau Pass area is progressing smoothly. He noted that Changlang shares the longest stretch of international border with Myanmar among the districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
However, the project has encountered security challenges. In March this year, an Assam Rifles personnel was injured when suspected militants opened fire on a team engaged in fencing work along the border. Reports indicated that members of the NSCN (K-YA) were involved in the attack.
The Assam Rifles, responsible for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border, has been providing security cover to workers and officials involved in the project.
In Longding district, authorities have proposed constructing 20.5 km of fencing during the first phase. At present, work has begun only on approach roads leading to the border.
Longding Superintendent of Police Dekio Gumja said fencing is planned between Border Post (BP) 156 and BP 160. He added that the difficult terrain in several locations has made construction challenging, and fencing has not yet been planned for some stretches.
Meanwhile, fencing work has not yet commenced in Tirap district. However, the district administration has already handed over land between BP 160 and BP 162 to the BRO.
Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran said fencing is proposed from BP 160 to BP 164. While land between BP 160 and BP 162 has been transferred for the project, the handover process for land between BP 163 and BP 164 is still pending.
The border fencing project is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening security, regulating cross-border movement and addressing challenges related to illegal activities along the India-Myanmar frontier.
