1. Mizoram’s cabinet is yet to pass a resolution opposing the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar, revealed Home Minister K Sapdanga.
2. The decision to end the FMR with Myanmar was learned by the state government solely through media reports, highlighting a lack of official communication.
3. Home Minister K Sapdanga conveyed this information during a session in the assembly, indicating a need for further discussion and action within the cabinet.
Aizawl, Feb 27: Mizoram’s cabinet has yet to adopt a resolution opposing the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with neighbouring Myanmar, according to Home Minister K Sapdanga.
The state government became aware of the plan to end the FMR with Myanmar solely through media reports, Sapdanga informed the assembly.
Following a military coup in Myanmar in 2021, thousands of people from the neighboring country sought refuge in Mizoram.
The FMR, which permitted individuals residing near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa, was terminated by the Centre earlier this month.
Sapdanga stated, “The Council of Ministers is yet to pass any resolution to oppose the lifting of the FMR as it learned the matter through only media reports. However, the matter has been proposed to be tabled at the Council of Ministers meeting.”
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Chief Minister Lalduhoma had previously expressed his government’s desire to retain the FMR, asserting that Mizo people residing in India and Myanmar cannot accept the current international border, as it was delineated by the British without consulting the Mizo people.
The Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee, a coalition of five major civil society organizations and student bodies, including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), has also voiced opposition to fencing the Indo-Myanmar border and abolishing the FMR.
A significant portion of Myanmar refugees in the state belong to the Chin, or Zo, community, who share ancestry and culture with Mizos in Mizoram. Chin is also a state in western Myanmar.
