Mizoram CM says Mizoram-Myanmar border not accepted

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma reiterated the historical injustice of demarcation of the India-Myanmar border, which he said was “drawn without the consent of the people by British colonialists.” Speaking at the commemoration of Mizoram-Myanmar border Champhai’s 25th district anniversary, Lalduhoma said, “The British colonialists, motivated solely by administrative convenience, imposed boundaries without any regards for the sentiments of the populace, employing the divisive ‘Divide and Rule’ policy. Such imposed borders cannot be accepted.” Expressing firm opposition to the central government’s border fencing initiative, strongly contested by the people of Mizoram, Lalduhoma stated, “I have submitted our representation regarding the border fencing and lifting of the Free Movement Regime to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who incidentally was my batch-mate in the Indian civil service.”

Highlighting a vision of unity, Lalduhoma advocated for the consolidation of Mizo inhabited areas in India and Myanmar’s Chin Hills under one administrative entity, emphasising their shared history predating British intervention. “Our ultimate desire is for Mizos in India and Myanmar’s Chin Hills to be placed under one administrative unit, as we were one country before the British intervention.” Lalduhoma praised the people of Champhai for being the first district to welcome Myanmar refugees, who are ethnic brothers and sisters of the Mizos, and being the district to host the largest number of them.”It is our responsibility to provide food and shelter to our brethren. They are expected to stay with us until it is safe for them to return to their country. Simultaneously, we must safeguard the peaceful environment of Mizoram,” Lalduhoma emphasised.

He also appealed to the refugees taking shelter in the state to respect and obey the laws, rules and ways of life of the people of Mizoram to ensure their peaceful stay in the state. Mizoram remains peaceful because the people living here give utmost importance to preservation of peace by following sets of lifestyles in living together, he said.Champhai, an important town in eastern Mizoram, witnessed the elevation to district status in April 1997, marking a significant milestone in its historical trajectory.  Notably, both Lalduhoma and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga hail from Champhai district and share an alma mater at Gandhi Memorial High School. EOM