Changhma Times News

New Delhi, Jan 27:

A delegation of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) on Tuesday called on Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan in New Delhi to convey firm opposition to the proposed fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, cautioning that such a move could divide ethnic Mizo communities living across the international boundary.

According to a press statement released by the Central YMA on Wednesday, the meeting took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Kartavya Bhavan and was attended by senior officials of the MHA, Intelligence Bureau, Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force. Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena was also present during the discussion.

The YMA team, comprising four central office bearers led by its president R. Lalngheta, informed the Union Home Secretary that their stance reflects the unanimous decision of the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee, which has opposed the plan to fence the entire 404-km stretch of the Indo-Myanmar border passing through Mizoram.

During the interaction, YMA leaders stated that erecting a physical barrier would alienate ethnic Mizos residing on both sides of the border and disrupt long-standing social, cultural and familial ties. They warned that the proposed fencing could weaken the shared identity and traditional bonds of the Mizo people who have historically lived and moved freely across what later became an international boundary.

The delegation also pointed out that the Mizoram Legislative Assembly had already passed a formal resolution opposing the fencing proposal, reflecting the sentiments of the people of the state.

Citing past experiences from the Indo-Bangladesh border, the YMA noted that fencing there had led to the loss of large areas of land and left several villages outside the fenced line. They cautioned that similar hardships could arise along the Indo-Myanmar border if the concerns of local residents are not properly addressed.

Expressing worry over the ongoing survey conducted by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the YMA said many border inhabitants have not been adequately informed about the implications of the proposed project. The absence of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), they added, has left communities uncertain about the possible social and economic effects of the fencing.

Apart from the border issue, the delegation also pressed for the inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. In response, they were informed that the Centre has received around 150–200 similar proposals from different language groups and that a committee will be formed to examine these demands.

The YMA reiterated that it would continue to pursue both matters through dialogue and democratic means, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the unity, cultural heritage and collective interests of the Mizo people.


Source: Newslink