Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Opposes Decision Centre's Plans To Construct Fence Along India-Myanmar Border

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma underlined his government's opposition to the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border and the elimination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

File photo of Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma

Source : PTI

After the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement on constructing a fence along the entire 1,643-kilometer India-Myanmar border, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma reiterated his government's opposition to the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border and the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) On Saturday. This regime presently permits individuals living near the border to travel up to 16 kilometers into each other's territory without the need for official documentation.

In a meeting with leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) in the capital, Lalduhoma emphasised that the existing border was a product of British colonial policies aimed at dividing and ruling, which resulted in the separation of Mizos, news agency PTI reported.

He highlighted the enduring aspiration of Mizos residing in both India and Myanmar for reunification under a single administrative entity. The chief minister affirmed his administration's desire for the continuation of the FMR with Myanmar.

He also disclosed having met Union Home Minister Amit Shah twice in January and February, conveying Mizoram's stance on the Indo-Myanmar border fencing and the preservation of the FMR. Lalduhoma urged the home minister not to erect a fence on the Mizoram side, even if the Manipur side of the Indo-Myanmar border undergoes fencing. Expressing optimism, he speculated that the Centre might refrain from fencing the 510-km-long Mizoram-Myanmar border, PTI's report stated.

In response, the NGO Coordination Committee announced plans for a demonstration in Aizawl on February 21 to voice their opposition to the Centre's decision regarding the Indo-Myanmar border fencing and the FMR termination.

Comprising five major civil society organisations and student bodies, including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the committee had previously submitted a memorandum to Shah, urging reconsideration of the decision to fence the border and terminate the FMR.

Assam, Arunachal CMs Support Centre's Fencing Plans Along Indo-Myanmar Border

Notably, the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh expressed their approval of the Modi government's plan to erect a fence along the Indo-Myanmar border. This measure aims to enhance surveillance and establish a patrol track along the border. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced his confidence in the decision, asserting that the fencing would diminish occurrences of cross-border insurgency and infiltration by enhancing surveillance capabilities.

Taking to X, CM Himanta stated, "This is a commendable and bold decision which will have a huge stabilising impact on the entire North Eastern region. State-of-the-art fencing shall also minimise incidents of cross-border insurgency and infiltration through better surveillance. My gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @amitshah ji for this great effort to secure our borders." 

This is a commendable and bold decision which will have a huge stabilising impact on the entire North Eastern region.

State-of-the-art fencing , shall also minimise incidents of cross border insurgency and infiltration through better surveillance.

My gratitude to Hon’ble Prime… https://t.co/iQimejDYoE

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 6, 2024

“A great move in the right direction to make our borders foolproof. Gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji to fence our borders along Myanmar,” the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister wrote on X.

A great move in the right direction to make our borders foolproof.

Gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji to fence our borders along Myanmar.

A state-of-the-art surveillance will check the movement of unscrupulous… https://t.co/qREDRMsyBa

— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) February 6, 2024

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