Northeast Desk, 21st January: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has openly opposed the recent decisions made by the Centre to erect a fence along the India-Myanmar border and eliminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR). This comes in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s similar announcement.
During a press conference held after his return from Shillong, Lalduhoma expressed his disapproval of the Indo-Myanmar border fencing, emphasizing the shared ethnic background between the people of Mizoram and Myanmar. Despite lacking the authority to prevent these actions, he remains steadfast in his opposition.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the community’s reluctance to accept the boundary line originally established by the British. Lalduhoma believes that the proposed fence would inadvertently validate the British-imposed border, which is not recognized by the Mizo people on either side. He emphasized that such a barrier would obstruct the aspirations of reunification cherished by the Mizo community.
While acknowledging concerns about potential smuggling and illegal activities associated with the Free Movement Regime, Lalduhoma maintained his overall opposition to the Centre’s decisions, highlighting the broader implications for the cultural and historical ties between Mizoram and Myanmar.