While there has been stiff opposition from major NGOs in Mizoram and state leaders against the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border, polls taken of students from colleges in Aizawl and by a local news site with over 1000 participants show a surprising revelation of the participants supporting fencing of the border.
According to a survey done on students of various colleges in Aizawl studying in the Political Science department, it was found that 48.4% of the students said they support the plans of the Central government to fence the border, 11% said they had no opinion on the matter while 40.7% said they were against it. A total of 91 students participated in the survey. In a poll by Zalen, a local news website where 1500 participated, it was found that 64.7% of poll participants voted in support of fencing the border 41.5% were against it and 11.7% said they did not have an opinion on the matter.
A student who participated in the college survey, Jewel C Lalrohlui, spoke to EastMojo saying, “As a resident of Champhai, a town at the border, I strongly support the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border. Two primary reasons are shaping my perspective. First, within the economic context, India’s socialist orientation significantly influences the nation’s functioning, particularly through taxation and goods and services regulations. In Champhai, a recurring issue stems from the substantial influx of illegal goods, primarily due to the absence of well-defined trade regulations for everyday essentials. The irregular flow of goods underscores the need for comprehensive guidelines. Additionally, the lack of clear rules regarding border duty leads to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a select few, whether concerning smuggled goods or daily necessities. This concentration has pervasive and largely adverse effects on the economic landscape.”
“Second,” she said, “I am concerned about the impact on the morality of our society. The substantial influx of refugees prompts us to view them as our brethren from a humanitarian standpoint. However, the stark contrast in the life experiences of the two groups—one having spent their lives in the safety of India and the other in Burma—raises moral concerns. Rather than fostering a shared love for our land, it seems that the refugees may inadvertently contribute to assimilation. The focus on personal survival and financial considerations instead of allegiance to our homeland appears to be diluting the moral fabric, leading to a perceived decline in moral values within their community.”
“The primary reason for the opposition to border fencing by NGOs and various associations appears to stem from the perception that some NGO leaders and influential figures prioritize personal gains, including involvement in smuggling activities, over a genuine commitment to our homeland. I advocate for border fencing as a means to establish improved regulations for Mizoram and India, fostering a more secure and organised environment,” she added.
On February 28, the Mizoram Assembly passed a resolution in disagreement with the Centre’s choice to fence the India-Myanmar border and discontinue the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with the neighbouring country. Home Minister K Sapdanga presented the resolution, urging the Centre to reconsider its decision.
Another student who participated in the college survey, Remtluanga Pachuau told EastMojo, “While the Free Movement Regime (FMR) has undeniably facilitated business activities and fostered connections between people from different sides, it is crucial to acknowledge that, presently, the drawbacks seem to surpass the benefits. The unrestricted movement has inadvertently encouraged illegal activities such as the smuggling of prohibited goods and substances. Additionally, individuals with questionable characters, including thieves, can easily cross the border, contributing to an atmosphere of fear within society. Recent incidents of murder and robbery appear to be linked to our neighbouring country, raising concerns about the potential negative consequences associated with the current state of free movement.”
“The primary reason for our opposition to border fencing is the concern that it might hinder our easy connection with our brethren. However, with proper guidelines and records under the law, fencing could facilitate visits between us,” he said.
Pachuau also compared the situation to residential gates, saying, “It is intriguing how we enthusiastically establish boundaries in our lands, complete with beautiful gates, yet hesitate to consider fencing the borders of our state. Fencing our border area could effectively halt the movement of illegal goods and, ideally, reduce the influx of miscreants crossing the border unlawfully. Similar to how our neighbours knock on the door for a visit, those entering Mizoram should adhere to the law, ensuring the freedom to pursue their intentions within legal frameworks. In the future, if all Zo descendants are united under a single administration, the Mizoram map will be redesigned and then we can welcome our brethren not as guests but as a unified community.”
In January, the emotions of locals were stirred when four Myanmar nationals were arrested for the murder of a resident on the outskirts of Siaha town in south Mizoram. The victim, KL Zoasha, a resident of Siaha town, had given a ride to the Myanmar nationals in his auto-rickshaw to Lawngtlai town near the Myanmar border. In a PTI report, it was said that 55 Myanmar nationals were arrested in Mizoram in connection to drug smuggling activities in the past year. Also last year, an alarming discovery revealed that Indian smugglers, in collaboration with their local contacts on both sides of the international border, employed excavators to create a 10-kilometre “jeepable road” in Myanmar.
F Lalramhluni, a Political Science professor and author commented on the poll saying: It clearly shows that there are counter-narratives of the generalization of open border and FMR that reflects about the ethnicity issue and blood brothers cannot be separated by geographical boundary issue. The youth and many citizens have this concern about how the open border has led to unfiltered illegal immigrants and and sudden increase of smuggling and substance abuse in the state that are very alarming. Also, for the past few years, the city has witnessed an unchecked increase in land price and house rent in the capital, big shops coming out of nowhere due to sudden increase of black money due to smuggling.”
She shared how rights of the constitution were claimed by citizens and non-citizens saying, “As per the constitution of India, some fundamental rights which can only be enjoyed by the citizens are now claimed and enjoyed by the non-citizens as well. This is a very alarming situation. The second point is that it is not safe to have an open border with a nation which is not politically stable because political instability has other effects like economy, social organisation etc and the two nations do not have the same ideology and practice in terms of governance.”
The NGOs in Mizoram have held strong protests regarding the scrapping of the FMR. The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex student body in Mizoram, has escalated its opposition to the Indian government’s proposal to eliminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) by setting posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah ablaze in a fiery protest. The NGOs quote the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) 2007 Article 36, as a reason for their protests. The declaration says, “Indigenous peoples shall not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories. No relocation shall take place without the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples concerned.”
A journalist, Caroline Lalrosangi also shared her insights on the border issue saying, “I don’t oppose the idea of border fencing, especially considering the significant issues like illegal influx, smuggling, and crime rates. However, I believe the Free Movement Regime should persist with certain restrictions. Implementing restrictions could potentially address numerous problems, preventing us from bearing the brunt of the consequences. This is not about withholding our love for our brethren from across the border; rather, it’s about minimising the chances for criminal activities to occur.”
Also Read: Separated again? Naga, Zo clans stare at uncertain future after end of FMR
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