Aizawl: The Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) has formally appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the implementation of border fencing and the abolition of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border, citing significant cultural and ethnic concerns.
In a memorandum to the Home Minister, CYMA expressed its apprehensions about the potential disruption to the deep-rooted cultural and economic ties between the Mizo communities on both sides of the border.
The FMR has long allowed Mizo communities in India and Myanmar to interact freely, facilitating cross-border trade and cultural exchanges. CYMA emphasized that eliminating this regime and erecting a border fence would sever these longstanding connections, adversely affecting the livelihoods of people who depend on the movement across the border. “Scrapping FMR and fencing the border would not only sever ethnic connections but also impact lives and economic activities,” the association stated, urging the government to reconsider its decision.
Mizoram has been a refuge for thousands, housing over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar following the 2021 military coup, as well as refugees from Bangladesh and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Manipur. Given the state’s limited resources, CYMA appealed for increased central assistance to support these communities. “Mizoram alone cannot bear this burden. The central government must allocate more funds and humanitarian aid to support both refugees and NGOs working on the ground,” CYMA emphasized.
Additionally, the association highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development, particularly the upgradation of Lengpui Airport, which has been underfunded since its establishment in 1998. CYMA requested Rs 1,000 crore for expanding the runway, upgrading terminal buildings, and enhancing air traffic control infrastructure. They also sought funding for a large convention hall in Aizawl, capable of accommodating at least 5,000 people, to address the growing demand for public gathering spaces in the state.
In light of Mizoram’s porous borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, CYMA proposed the creation of a dedicated Mizo Battalion within the Border Security Force (BSF), which they believe would improve border security and foster better relations between the local communities and security forces.
The rise in drug trafficking, exacerbated by cross-border smuggling, was another pressing concern highlighted by CYMA. They urged the government to strengthen law enforcement, expand rehabilitation facilities, and ramp up public awareness programs to combat the drug menace.
Another key demand was the inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. With over 8.3 lakh speakers, the association emphasized the cultural and historical significance of Mizo, noting that UNESCO has classified the language as “vulnerable.” They argued that official recognition would help safeguard the language for future generations.
In conclusion, the CYMA called on the central government to address these critical concerns, stressing the socio-economic and cultural impact these decisions could have on Mizoram and its people.
Read More: Assam and Nagaland CMs Discuss Key Issues Ahead of Northeastern Meeting with Amit Shah