With Isaac Zoramsanga’s Contributory Input
March 12, 2025: Nearly 2,000 footprints of foreign nationals were recorded in Aizawl between June and December last year, and these foreigners were hardly seen on Aizawl streets. No one has fully accurate answers regarding their purpose or veiled intent for visiting Mizoram.
During the ongoing Mizoram State Assembly session, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma on Monday informed that some people, including those from the US and UK, entered Myanmar via Mizoram and engaged (or were suspected to have engaged) in arms training for insurgent groups in the neighboring country. One person was arrested for possession of live ammunition. He stated that some of those who entered Myanmar were previously involved in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Chief Minister was referring to Daniel Newey, a UK national who was arrested with one live round on June 19, 2024, at the lone Lengpui Airport and was booked under the Arms Act, 1959. Newey, however, was acquitted by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Aizawl district in mid-February this year.
According to the Mizoram CM, the intention of the visitors might be to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs. He added that the central government has been closely monitoring the situation in the border areas, as geopolitics has become more significant with the involvement of China and the US in regional conflicts. He also mentioned that the recent one-day visit to Mizoram by the US Ambassador to India without prior intimation came as a surprise to the state government.
Regarding refugees from Myanmar, he expressed the opinion that many could have returned to their respective villages as peace has prevailed in large parts of Chin State, but many still choose to remain in Mizoram. He also voiced concern that people in the state are increasingly disturbed by the prevalence of illegal activities, including murder and smuggling.
