Mizoram CM Resists India-Myanmar Border Fencing and Free Movement Regime Termination

Mizoram, 22 January, 24: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has openly opposed the recent announcement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the fencing of the India-Myanmar border and the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). During a press conference held after Shah's declaration in Guwahati, Lalduhoma emphasized that while his government lacks the authority to prevent these measures, they strongly oppose them. The chief minister argued that the British-imposed border does not align with the ethnic ties shared by Mizos on both sides, and the proposal contradicts the dream of reunification held by the Mizo diaspora worldwide.

Lalduhoma revealed discussions on this matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Delhi. While acknowledging the government's concerns about cross-border trafficking, particularly in drugs, he maintained that scrapping the FMR might not be the optimal solution. The FMR allows visa-free travel up to 16 km on both sides of the India-Myanmar border. Lalduhoma suggested that the increase in smuggling activities might be addressed through alternative means without compromising the FMR.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, announcing the government's decision, stated the intent to protect the open India-Myanmar border with barbed fencing, similar to the India-Bangladesh border. More than 31,000 individuals, predominantly from Myanmar's Chin state, sought refuge in Mizoram following the military coup in February 2021. Mizoram shares a 510 km border with Myanmar, and both the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the state's largest civil society organization and students' body, respectively, have joined in opposing the Centre's decision.