Mizo Zirlai Pawl Urges Centre to Rethink Decision on Fencing Indo-Myanmar Border and Scrapping FMR

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Mizo Zirlai Pawl urges Centre to reconsider decision to scrap FMR, fence Indo-Myanmar border.
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The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex student body of Mizoram, has raised concerns over the Indian government’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct a fence along the Indo-Myanmar border. The MZP has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through Governor VK Singh, urging the Centre to reconsider the proposed termination of the FMR and the fencing of the border, which they believe threatens to disrupt the lives and rights of indigenous Mizo communities on both sides of the border.

The FMR has been in place for many years, facilitating cross-border movement for Mizos residing in India and Myanmar, allowing for cultural, economic, and social exchanges. According to MZP, the FMR has been crucial for maintaining strong ties between the Mizo people of India and Myanmar, fostering a shared sense of community, culture, and traditions that transcend political boundaries. The student body emphasized that the proposed termination of the FMR and the building of a border fence would disrupt these longstanding relationships and severely impact the livelihoods of both Indian and Myanmar Mizos.

The memorandum, submitted by the MZP, describes the FMR as a key enabler of cross-border contact, enabling Mizos to participate in each other’s cultural, religious ceremonies, and community events. Moreover, it allowed for economic activities, such as the sharing of resources between the two regions. The student body argued that the scrapping of the FMR would sever these critical ties, depriving the Mizo community of their cultural rights and access to essential resources that are vital for their way of life.

The MZP also expressed concerns about the arbitrary border demarcation that occurred during the British colonial period, which disrupted the unity of the Mizo people in both India and Myanmar. The student body claimed that the partitioning of Mizo territories across political boundaries had already caused significant hardship and division. The termination of the FMR and the construction of a border fence would further exacerbate the situation, hindering social and cultural interactions between Mizo communities in the two countries.

In their letter to the Union Home Minister, the MZP highlighted India’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007. Article 36 of the UNDRIP affirms the right of indigenous peoples to maintain and develop cross-border relations. The MZP argued that the decision to terminate the FMR and fence the Indo-Myanmar border runs contrary to India’s obligations under the UNDRIP, particularly with respect to protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and their ability to maintain their cultural and economic connections across national borders.

The MZP has also raised concerns about the impact of the decision on the local economy, particularly in the border areas. The ability of the Mizo people to freely trade, share resources, and participate in cross-border economic activities has been essential to their livelihoods. The imposition of stricter border controls and the erection of a fence could disrupt these activities, leading to economic isolation for the communities that rely on such cross-border exchanges.

The MZP’s call for the reconsideration of the government’s decision is rooted in a desire to preserve the Mizo identity, culture, and way of life. The student body argues that the termination of the FMR and the fencing of the border would not only harm the Mizo people but also violate their basic rights as indigenous peoples, as enshrined in international law.

The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) has strongly urged the Union Government to reconsider its decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and fence the Indo-Myanmar border. The MZP’s appeal emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining cross-border cultural, economic, and social ties between the Mizo communities of India and Myanmar. By preserving the FMR, the government would honor the rights of indigenous peoples and ensure the continued survival of the rich cultural heritage of the Mizo people.

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