Aizawl: In a fervent demonstration held at the Vanapa Hall premises on Wednesday, the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) in Mizoram, comprising five major NGOs, voiced strong opposition to the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
Hundreds of protestors, representing various age groups, congregated at the site, brandishing placards emblazoned with slogans such as “We don’t want border fencing.”
Lalhmachhuana, Chairman of NGOCC, led the gathering, expressing deep concern over the ramifications of dividing Zo children across different territories. He vehemently condemned the central government for its decision to implement border fencing, squarely blaming Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh for advocating such measures.
Lalhmachhuana underscored that yielding to the dictates of a single individual could undermine the democratic principles that the nation holds dear.
Pointing out the government’s rationale of combating drug smuggling and armed insurgency through border fencing, Lalhmachhuana argued that these issues persist due to collaborators within the borders.
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He urged the authorities to explore alternative solutions rather than resorting to the divisive measure of border fencing. Lalhmachhuana criticized the contradiction between the government’s purported commitment to the Act East Policy and its decision to erect barriers along the border.
Amidst the protest, a resolution was passed unanimously among the gathered citizens, firmly opposing the implementation of border fencing and expressing unwavering support for NGOCC’s stance on the matter.
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