Aizawl: Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) legislator and retired Army officer Lt. Colonel Clement Lalhmingthanga announced on Tuesday that recruitment for the newly approved Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) will begin in July.
Speaking at a press conference, Clement, who leads the coordination and land search committee for the MTA, said that two companies of the Territorial Army are planned, with recruitment for the first company set to begin in a phased manner next month. The first phase will involve the recruitment of 70 personnel, while a full-strength company includes 102 soldiers, a Commanding Officer, and four Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs).
The recruitment drive will be open to Mizo youths aged 18 to 42 years who have passed Class 10. Special relaxation will be given to ex-servicemen, their children, and sportspersons, he added. The selected recruits will undergo training at the Assam Rifles Centre in Shillong.
Clement also informed that efforts are underway to identify suitable land for the MTA headquarters, with several village councils expressing willingness to provide land for the establishment.
The central government recently approved the Mizo Territorial Army as part of a strategic initiative to combat drug trafficking and support broader law and order efforts in the region. The MTA is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities for local youths.
In May, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and informed him about the upcoming recruitment. According to an official statement, the Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to both the Defence Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their strong support in raising the MTA battalion.
Lalduhoma had also discussed the proposal with Amit Shah during his Delhi visit, emphasising the dual benefits of strengthening national security and providing jobs to Mizo youth.
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