Aizawl: In a meeting with the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) on Saturday, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma addressed pressing issues related to border security and emphasised the need for enhanced infrastructure to counter smuggling activities. The meeting discussed concerns about the Free Movement Regime (FMR), refugees in Mizoram, and the Centre’s decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border.
Lalduhoma highlighted the increasing challenges arising from smuggling of arms and drugs across the border. He informed the attendees that he had already communicated the urgency of having improved border security infrastructure to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah.
Addressing concerns about the Free Movement Regime, the Chief Minister said he informed the Union Home Minister that Mizoram is not concerned with scrapping the FMR at the Manipur side of the border but, he urged that such actions should not be implemented on the Mizoram side.
Expressing the historical context, the Chief Minister stated that the border was drawn based on the ‘divide and rule’ policy, leading to the separation from brethren. He reiterated the state’s goal of being under one administration and working towards unity.
He urged the NGO Coordination Committee to cooperate and refrain from holding protests or burning effigies, emphasising that such actions go against the principles of Christianity.
The NGO Coordination Committee will be holding a demonstration in Aizawl on February 21, registering their protest against the Centre’s decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border and scrap the FMR.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The NGOCC, comprising five major civil society organizations and student bodies, including Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister urging a reconsideration of scrapping the FMR.
Also Read | Indigenous groups from 3 states unite against abrogation of FMR