Will the Mizoram border be sealed? Resolution opposing FMR is yet to come

Mizoram home minister K Sapdanga disclosed that the Mizoram council of ministers has not yet approved a resolution opposing the cancellation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar.

Digital Desk: After the Central government decided to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar on February 8, various community organisations staged protests against the ban. 

Following the protests, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed the issue of exempting Mizoram due to their historical ties and the common ancestry of the bordering people. Lalduhoma is optimistic about the Centre exempting the 404km-long international border that the state shares with Myanmar from being fenced even as it goes ahead with the plan along the Manipur-Myanmar border.

Five influential non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Mizoram on 21 February resolved to intensify agitation against the Centre's decision to fence the 1,643 km border with Myanmar. They are saying the same is ‘unacceptable’ to the communities living on both sides of the border.

They also opposed the Centre's decision to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) that allowed communities to travel within 16kms on both sides without a visa.

Mizoram home minister K Sapdanga disclosed that the Mizoram council of ministers has not yet approved a resolution opposing the cancellation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar. The decision to revoke the FMR, allowing border residents to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa, was learned by the state government through media reports. 

Despite Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma's expressed desire to maintain the FMR, citing historical ties, no official resolution against its abolition has been passed by the state council. The termination of the FMR occurred earlier this month by the Central government. 

Following the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, thousands sought refuge in Mizoram. Home Minister Sapdanga mentioned that the issue would be presented for discussion in an upcoming Mizoram cabinet meeting. 

Additionally, the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee, comprising major civil society organizations and student bodies, including CYMA and MZP, has opposed both fencing the Indo-Myanmar border and scrapping the FMR.