Mizoram Assembly passes resolution to oppose Myanmar border fencing
The Hindu
The 60-member Mizoram Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border
GUWAHATI
The 60-member Mizoram Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with the civil war-torn neighbouring country.
The FMR allows residents along the 1,643 km border between the two countries to travel up to 16 km in each others’ territory without any visa and stay for a limited period.
In the resolution moved by Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga, the Centre was urged to reconsider its decision and take steps instead to ensure the Zo ethnic people can live together without a fence dividing their ancestral land.
The dominant Mizos of Mizoram, the Kuki-Zomis of Manipur, the Chins of Myanmar and the Kuki-Chins of Bangladesh belong to the Zo ethnic group.
“The British geographically divided the Zo ethnic people who have inhabited [present-day] Mizoram and the Chin Hills of Myanmar for centuries together, once under their own administration. We have been dreaming of reunification and cannot accept the India-Myanmar border imposed upon us,” Mr. Sapdanga said.
Also read | Reconsidering the free movement regime | Explained
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