Why many people in Mizoram support stricter Indo-Myanmar border regulations

Aizawl: A rickety steel bridge and the mighty Tiau River are all that separate India and Myanmar at Zokhawthar. When this EastMojo correspondent visited Zokhawthar in December, the bridge was bustling with both tourists and locals, with pedestrians carrying boxes of goods such as juices and other commodities from Myanmar to India.

These items frequently flood the markets in Champhai, the border district, and Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram.

The Myanmar side of the border also drew large crowds to its liquor shops, as alcohol sales are prohibited in Mizoram. Many often cross over for a drink and are seen staggering out of resto-bars.

However, the scene has shifted. While discussions about scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) had been ongoing, it took 12 months for the government to issue a strong directive.

On January 3, 2025, the Champhai SP office released a public notice based on directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (December 24, 2024) and the Home Department (December 30, 2024).

The notice made it mandatory for individuals crossing the border to obtain a Border Pass, which requires proof of identity confirming that they reside within 10 km of the border. This proof must be issued by the village chief, an administrator appointed by the governor, or the officer in charge of the local police station.

A Mizoram government official, speaking anonymously to EastMojo, revealed that the state government had little say in this matter.

Opposition and Public Sentiment

The move has drawn strong criticism from ZORO (Zo Reunification Organisation), which argues that it infringes on indigenous rights, as people across the Indo-Myanmar border share deep ethnic ties. Yet, despite this opposition, many citizens of Mizoram appear to support the regulation.

The NGO has often taken a strong stance against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime and any directive that limits the crossing of the border by the citizens because people from both sides of the 510 km long international border share ethnic ties. A study by a Mizoram University professor on the Myanmar exile in Mizoram traced the roots of the ethnic ties stating despite being separated by this international boundary, the Chin country and Mizoram share a common history, ancestry, and similar beliefs, rituals, customs, and traditions.

The Chin people consist of over fifty sub-tribes, with the Mizos being one of the branches. These vast territories have been divided and redefined, dispersing the Chin ethnic group, a significant portion of which is represented in the Chin State in northwest Myanmar.

Chin sub-tribes are also found in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Beyond India, a notable Chin community exists in the northeastern regions of Bangladesh. 

EastMojo spoke to several Mizoram residents to understand their perspectives on the new requirements.

A college lecturer, Lalmuanpuia, highlighted the smuggling issues at the border and explained why he supports the directive:

“I believe it is important to have border passes. From the high rise in areca nut smuggling and other illegal goods across the border, this directive was strongly necessary. Hopefully, there will be progress in the drive against smuggling.”

Sharing a similar opinion, school teacher Lalruatsangi Tochhawng remarked, “I do not see a problem with the need for a border pass, especially when we consider the high rate of smuggling activities, particularly drugs. However, the government should ensure the guidelines ease the public’s lives while remaining firm on its stand.”

Concerns Over the 10 km Clause

Of the 10 individuals EastMojo interviewed, all supported the need for formal border passes. However, many raised concerns over the requirement of proof of residence within 10 km of the border.

Lalramchhana, a school administrator and resident of Aizawl expressed support for border passes but criticized the clause:

“Issuing a border pass is necessary, but limiting it to those living within 10 km is unfair. If border passes are to be issued, they should be available to all Indian citizens, whether in Maharashtra or elsewhere. Otherwise, no one should get it. Restricting the passes based on geographical location is discriminatory.”

A lawyer, Lalrindika, echoed these concerns, emphasizing potential legal violations:

“If it is a prohibited area, that’s a different issue. However, restricting entry to only those living within 10 km of the border infringes on the Right to Equality and Right to Life. If entry is allowed with permission, this permission should be extended to all Indian citizens.”

Silence from Key Stakeholders

While ZORO has strongly condemned the directive, the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), Mizoram’s apex NGO, has remained silent. When contacted by EastMojo, CYMA President Lalhmachhuana stated that they are still investigating the matter before issuing a statement or taking a stand.

Also Read: Why indigenous bodies are opposing the Border Pass Policy in Mizoram