Mizo Groups Protest Against Proposed Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing

Protest Against Border Fencing

Aizawl, Jan 17: The Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the leading student body of the Mizo community, held a sit-in protest today in front of Vanapa Hall to express their opposition to the Central Government's plan for fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Protesters, including leaders from both organizations, gathered to voice their concerns that the proposed fencing could jeopardize the social, cultural, and ethnic unity of the Mizo people residing on either side of the border.

During the demonstration, ZORO president R Sangkawia emphasized that the fencing would create a divide among ethnic Mizos in Mizoram and those in Myanmar, undermining the long-established bonds of unity and brotherhood among the indigenous populations in border regions. He highlighted the shared ancestry, traditions, and history of the Mizo people, warning that any physical barrier could harm these connections.

Sangkawia expressed worries that ongoing disunity among ethnic Mizos might lead to significant consequences, including the gradual decline of their collective identity. He cautioned that such divisions could threaten the survival of the Mizo tribe as a distinct ethnic group over time. He also reminded attendees that the Mizoram Legislative Assembly had previously passed a resolution opposing the border fencing unanimously.

MZP president C Lalremruata reiterated that the Mizo community has consistently opposed the border fencing, advocating for the reunification of ethnic Mizos across regions in India and neighboring countries. He argued that while international borders exist, they should not separate communities with shared bloodlines and cultural heritage.

“International boundaries may exist, but they should not divide people of the same ethnic family,” Lalremruata stated. He affirmed that the MZP would continue to resist the proposed fencing through democratic means until the plan is abandoned.

The protest also underscored the widespread opposition from civil society organizations in Mizoram. ZORO, MZP, and the NGO Coordination Committee, which comprises major civil society groups in the state, have repeatedly submitted memorandums to the Central Government, urging a reconsideration of the fencing proposal. They have organized various rallies and demonstrations to express their dissent.

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