What Did Mizoram CM Discuss with HM Shah Regarding the Mizo Territorial Army?
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Synopsis
Mizoram's Chief Minister's crucial meeting with the Union Home Minister highlights the pressing need for a Mizo Territorial Army to tackle rampant drug trafficking from Myanmar, revealing the state's strategic concerns and collaborative efforts to enhance border security.
Key Takeaways
- Lalduhoma meets with Amit Shah to discuss drug trafficking issues.
- Formation of Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) proposed to combat narcotics.
- Mizoram's borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh are critical points for smuggling.
- Significant support needed from the Centre for effective border management.
- The NCB is considering a zonal office in Mizoram to strengthen local operations.
Aizawl, May 24 (NationPress) Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma engaged with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to address pivotal state matters, including the formation of the Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) aimed at combating drug trafficking along the India-Myanmar border, as reported by officials on Saturday.
An official from the Mizoram government indicated that the Chief Minister also raised additional crucial topics, such as the state’s flagship livelihood initiative, the Bana Kaih Scheme (Hand Holding), developments at Lengpui Airport, the depreciated condition of buildings and infrastructure on Assam Rifles land, and the establishment of the MTA.
For an extended period, the state government has sought assistance from the Centre to establish the MTA to effectively combat the illegal import of drugs and contrabands from Myanmar.
“The state government lacks sufficient manpower to effectively tackle narcotics trafficking emanating from across the border. Previously, proposals regarding the formation of the MTA were submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs,” the official stated.
In light of the ongoing drug smuggling crisis from Myanmar, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has recently suggested setting up a zonal office in Mizoram. NCB Director General Anurag Garg met with the Chief Minister and advocated for a fully operational NCB zonal office in the state, stressing the necessity for additional personnel familiar with the local language and the state’s conditions.
During his meeting with Garg, Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, explored strategies to mitigate drug trade and the use of narcotics among the youth.
The Chief Minister informed the NCB DG that he had previously requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to either form or permit the state government to establish the Mizo Territorial Army to bolster surveillance along the state's unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Mizoram shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318 km border with Bangladesh.
Myanmar’s neighboring Chin state is notorious for the smuggling of various drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through six districts of Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
The mountainous Champhai district serves as a hotspot for the smuggling of a variety of drugs, including highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, foreign cigarettes, areca nuts, arms, ammunition, and exotic animals and their parts.
On March 15, after years of advocacy, the Assam Rifles land in Aizawl was officially handed over to the Mizoram government in the presence of the Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister, with the Assam Rifles establishments being relocated from Aizawl to Zokhawsang, located 15 km from the state capital.
In 1988, the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, led by former Chief Minister Laldenga, initially demanded the relocation of the Assam Rifles complex following a violent incident that resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians.
In February 2019, the Union Home Ministry directed the paramilitary force to proceed with the shift of its complex to Zokhawsang.
Point of View
The establishment of the Mizo Territorial Army is a significant step in addressing the drug crisis that affects not only Mizoram but the entire nation. The government's proactive approach to enhance border security and combat trafficking reflects a commitment to safeguarding the lives of citizens and maintaining law and order.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Mizo Territorial Army?
The Mizo Territorial Army aims to combat drug trafficking and enhance surveillance along the India-Myanmar border.
Why is drug trafficking a concern in Mizoram?
Mizoram shares an extensive and unfenced border with Myanmar, making it vulnerable to the smuggling of drugs and contrabands.
What other issues were discussed in the meeting?
The meeting also covered the Bana Kaih Scheme, Lengpui Airport developments, and the condition of Assam Rifles land.
What is the stance of the NCB regarding drug trafficking in Mizoram?
The NCB has proposed establishing a zonal office in Mizoram to enhance its operations against drug trafficking.
How has the state government responded to drug trafficking?
The state government has been advocating for the formation of the Mizo Territorial Army and has submitted proposals to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
