He informed the attendees that he had already communicated the urgency of having improved border security infrastructure to the Union Home Minister
Aizawl: In a meeting with the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) on Saturday, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma addressed pressing issues related to border security and emphasised the need for enhanced infrastructure to counter smuggling activities. The meeting discussed concerns about the Free Movement Regime (FMR), refugees in Mizoram, and the Centre’s decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border.
Lalduhoma highlighted the increasing challenges arising from smuggling of arms and drugs across the border. He informed the attendees that he had already communicated the urgency of having improved border security infrastructure to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah.
Addressing concerns about the Free Movement Regime, the Chief Minister said he informed the Union Home Minister that Mizoram is not concerned with scrapping the FMR at the Manipur side of the border but, he urged that such actions should not be implemented on the Mizoram side.
Expressing the historical context, the Chief Minister stated that the border was drawn based on the ‘divide and rule’ policy, leading to the separation from brethren. He reiterated the state’s goal of being under one administration and working towards unity.
He urged the NGO Coordination Committee to cooperate and refrain from holding protests or burning effigies, emphasising that such actions go against the principles of Christianity.
The NGO Coordination Committee will be holding a demonstration in Aizawl on February 21, registering their protest against the Centre’s decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border and scrap the FMR.
The NGOCC, comprising five major civil society organizations and student bodies, including Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister urging a reconsideration of scrapping the FMR.
Source: www.eastmojo.com