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States » EastPosted at: Apr 17 2025 12:11AM


Mizoram civil bodies reaffirm opposition to Indo-Myanmar border fencing in Delhi meeting

Aizawl, Apr 16 (UNI) Representatives from Mizoram's civil bodies have reiterated their opposition to the Centre’s move to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and erect fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border during a high-level meeting in Delhi, a statement said on Wednesday.The meeting on Tuesday evening was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and representatives of the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) and the Zo Reunification Organisation (ZoRO)The delegation, comprising leaders from prominent civil society groups and student organisations, conveyed their concerns directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), asserting that the Centre’s proposals disregard the ethnic, cultural and historical ties shared by Zo ethnic groups residing across the border.According to a joint press release issued by the NGOCC and ZoRO, the Union Home Secretary expressed hope that the Mizoram-based organisations would eventually support the Centre’s plans to fence the international boundary.
However, the state delegation stood firm on its position, urging the central government to honour and respect the deep-rooted sentiments of the Mizo people regarding the border and the FMR.
During the meeting, the issue of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime was also raised. The Mizoram team appealed for streamlining and easing the PAP application process for foreigners intending to visit the state, citing procedural bottlenecks that have long hindered genuine travellers.
In response, Mohan said a Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau (Northeast) had been assigned to oversee reforms in this area, to simplify the process for foreign nationals.
Addressing the matter of rising drug trafficking through the porous Indo-Myanmar border, Mohan acknowledged the state’s challenges and praised the efforts of civil society in countering the drug menace. He assured the delegation that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) would extend both financial assistance and equipment support to bolster anti-narcotics campaigns in the state.
On the employment front, the delegation sought increased recruitment of Mizo youths into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The Union Home Secretary revealed that a new battalion of CAPF is being raised with this objective in mind, and said the recruitment drive would begin within the next three months.
The improvement of Mizoram’s lone airport at Lengpui also figured in the discussion. Mohan informed the delegation that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had been instructed to take up the upgradation of Lengpui Airport, and directed the state chief secretary to expedite the submission of proposals.
The airport development initiative, he noted, would commence within three months.
Senior officials who joined the meeting included the Director of Intelligence Bureau, Secretary for Border Management, Advisor (Northeast), Directors General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and Assam Rifles, among others. Representatives from the ministries of school education and tourism were also present.
Earlier in the day, the delegation had a separate round of discussions with MHA Advisor (Northeast) A.K. Mishra before they met the Union Home Secretary. UNI ZS SSP
Tags: #Mizoram civil bodies reaffirm opposition to Indo-Myanmar border fencing in Delhi meeting
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