Mizo NGOs Request Centre to Respect Local Sentiments on Border Fencing Issue, Raises Lengpui Airport and Drugs Issue at Meet with Union Home Secretary

The NGO leaders expressed deep concern over the increasing narcotics-related issues in the state.

Leaders of major Mizoram-based NGOs held a crucial meeting with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan in New Delhi on Tuesday night, raising important issues concerning the state’s development, security, and youth employment.

The delegation included representatives from the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizo Students’ Union (MSU), and the Zo Re-Unification Organisation (ZoRO). They held in-depth discussions with the Home Secretary on topics such as the Free Movement Regime (FMR), border fencing along the Mizoram-Myanmar border, and various administrative concerns.

The Home Secretary said the central government is hopeful that Mizoram’s civil society will support the border fencing plan, which he described as crucial for national security. However, the NGO leaders urged the Centre to respect the sentiments of the Mizo people before taking any action on fencing.

The delegation also raised concerns about the status of Lengpui Airport. They sought clarity on its proposed transfer to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) a promise earlier made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Home Secretary confirmed that the process is already underway and said the Chief Secretary of Mizoram has been asked to submit the required proposal. He added that the handover is expected to be completed within the next three months.

The meeting also addressed the growing drug menace in Mizoram. The NGO leaders expressed deep concern over the increasing narcotics-related issues in the state. The Home Secretary praised Mizoram’s ongoing efforts to fight drugs and assured that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) would provide more support to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

On the matter of the Protected Area Permit (PAP), which often creates hurdles for foreign tourists visiting Mizoram, the NGOs demanded a more tourist-friendly and simplified process. The Home Secretary responded positively and directed the Joint Secretary (North East) from the Intelligence Bureau to look into the matter and ensure improvements are made.

The NGO leaders also demanded more opportunities for Mizo youths to serve in central armed forces. The Union Home Secretary confirmed that a new battalion under the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is in the pipeline and said the recruitment process will begin within the next three months.

Also Read: Over 10,000 Govt Employees On 3-Day Strike in Mizoram

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