Is the Mizoram Government Forming the Mizo Territorial Army to Combat Drug Trafficking?

Aizawl, Aug 11 (NationPress) The government of Mizoram has initiated the recruitment process to establish a Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) battalion aimed at combating drug trafficking along with addressing law and order challenges, as confirmed by officials on Monday.

Officials from the Mizoram Home Department indicated that the first batch will consist of 70 male recruits, with plans for subsequent batches to follow. Candidates who successfully pass the selection process will undergo a rigorous nine-month training program at the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong. Upon completion, they will be stationed in various areas of Mizoram, particularly in border regions.

As per the official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has endorsed the Mizoram government's proposal to create the MTA battalion to tackle drug trafficking, smuggling, and other law enforcement issues.

During a recent visit to New Delhi, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma engaged in discussions with Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the formation of the MTA and other pressing matters.

"The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Home Minister for endorsing the establishment of the MTA battalion, characterizing it as a vital step to engage Mizo youth and bolster national security," remarked the official.

For an extended period, the state government has been urging the central government for assistance in forming the MTA to combat drug smuggling and other illegal imports from Myanmar.

"The state is currently facing a shortage of personnel to effectively manage the narcotics trafficking from the neighboring borders. Previously, proposals were submitted to the MHA regarding the establishment of the MTA," the official added.

Recently, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) proposed the establishment of its zonal office in Mizoram. NCB Director General Anurag Garg met with the Mizoram Chief Minister, advocating for a fully operational NCB zonal office in the state and emphasizing the necessity for additional staff and officials fluent in the local language and familiar with the region's circumstances.

During the meeting, Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, discussed strategies to mitigate drug trafficking and the youth's drug usage.

The Chief Minister informed the NCB DG that he had already appealed to the MHA for permission to establish the MTA to enhance vigilance along the state's unguarded borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Mizoram shares a 510 km border with Myanmar and a 318 km border with Bangladesh. These unprotected borders are notorious for the smuggling of various drugs, including highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, foreign cigarettes, areca nuts, arms and ammunition, as well as exotic animals and their parts.