Aizawl: Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh has called for a comprehensive plan to strengthen border trade, urging officials to establish regulated mechanisms and coordinate efforts to curb illegal activities ahead of improved connectivity with neighbouring countries.
The Governor made the remarks during a meeting with senior officials of the Commerce and Industries and Home departments at Lok Bhavan, where measures to improve border trade and address infrastructure and regulatory challenges were discussed.
Singh stressed the need to begin preparatory work for upcoming connectivity projects, including improved road networks and railway extensions towards the border, rather than waiting for their completion. He called for all related activities to be brought under a consolidated plan.
The meeting reviewed progress and challenges concerning key border trade infrastructure, including Border Haats, Land Customs Stations, Integrated Check Posts and Land Ports. Discussions also focused on formalising the Border Haat system and bringing currently unregulated trade under appropriate mechanisms.
Singh emphasised the need to prepare detailed project proposals and blueprints through the Joint Working Group and submit them to the concerned authorities at the earliest to avoid delays.
Meanwhile, in Lawngtlai district, the administration has stepped up efforts to regulate vehicle movement and trade-related activities following the interception of 10 Tata Yodha vehicles on October 13.
Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga met representatives of the AOC YLA Branch to discuss the incident. The vehicles, reportedly travelling from Aizawl towards Lawngtlai, were intercepted between 2 am and 3 am and handed over to the Enforcement Wing of the District Transport Office.
Participants at the meeting expressed concern that the vehicles had allegedly entered the district in violation of an order issued by the District Magistrate. They called for stricter enforcement and coordinated action by the authorities and local organisations.
Lalruatsanga also expressed concern over reports of individuals checking vehicles and collecting money without authorisation. He said those involved should be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The district administration reiterated its commitment to enforcing existing regulations, while representatives of the CYLA pledged to support the authorities’ efforts.
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